Springtime on the farm is a season of renewal, and this year, we’re embracing new beginnings in the most hands-on way possible! We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hatching our own chicks again, thanks to our new CT180SH Egg Incubator from Hatching Time. Raising poultry has always been an essential part of our farm, and investing in this incubator ensures a steady supply of healthy birds for years to come.
In the past, we had great success with the Brinsea Ovation 56 EX incubators, which are excellent for smaller hatching projects and have served us well for many years. However, with our farm growing and the demand for poultry increasing, we needed a larger, more efficient setup. Many hatcheries are no longer offering chicks for sale, making it even more crucial for us to take control of our own flock’s future. By incubating our own eggs, we can select the best birds for breeding, ensuring strong, productive chickens that will thrive on our farm.
One of our main goals with this new incubator is to stagger the ages of our laying hens. By hatching new chicks at intervals throughout the year, we can maintain a consistent supply of eggs rather than experiencing seasonal fluctuations. This ensures that our customers, whether purchasing eggs from our farm stand or through our CSA, can rely on a steady, year-round supply of farm-fresh eggs.
Beyond egg production, we’re also taking this opportunity to enhance our meat bird program. By hatching, raising, and processing our own poultry entirely on-site, we gain even greater control over quality and availability. This means we can ensure that our birds are raised ethically, processed humanely, and meet the highest standards of freshness. This level of oversight not only benefits our farm but also gives our customers peace of mind, knowing exactly where their food comes from.
Looking ahead, we’re even considering the possibility of offering chicks for sale. Many local farmers and homesteaders are looking for reliable sources of healthy, well-started chicks, and we’d love to help meet that need. Whether for egg production, meat birds, or backyard flocks, our carefully selected and farm-raised chicks could become an exciting new venture for SaJe Family Farm.
The Science of Hatching: How It Works
For those unfamiliar with the incubation process, here’s a quick look at what it takes to successfully hatch eggs:
- Choosing Fertile Eggs – Only fertilized eggs can hatch, so we carefully select eggs from our healthiest hens and roosters.
- Setting Up the Incubator – The temperature must remain steady at around 99.5°F, while humidity levels must be carefully adjusted throughout the 21-day incubation period
- Turning the Eggs – In nature, a mother hen rotates her eggs multiple times a day to ensure proper development. Our incubator automates this process, preventing embryos from sticking to the shell.
- Candling the Eggs – Around days 7 and 14, we use a bright light to check for embryo development, watching for the telltale veins and movement that indicate a growing chick.
- Lockdown and Hatching – The final few days are critical. The eggs are no longer turned, humidity is increased, and then… we wait! Watching a chick pip through its shell and break free is one of the most rewarding moments on the farm.
One of the reasons we’re particularly excited about our new incubator is its advanced features. Unlike older models, this one automatically regulates humidity and temperature and even mimics natural cooling periods, just like a broody hen would. These subtle yet crucial details play a major role in ensuring successful hatches and strong, healthy chicks.
As we prepare for our first hatching of the season, we can’t wait to share this journey with you. Whether you’re interested in sustainable farming, fascinated by the science of incubation, or simply love the joy of new life, there’s something truly special about this process. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re local, we’d love to invite you to visit and see the magic in action!
Follow along with us on social media for real-time updates, videos, and the exciting moment when our newest farm members make their debut. Here’s to a season of new life and endless possibilities!