Why Hatching Eggs Can Fail: Top 5 Reasons & How to Improve Hatchability

Hatching your own chicks from fertile eggs can be one of the most rewarding experiences for poultry keepers. Whether you’re raising Silkies, Easter Eggers, or Marans, there’s nothing quite like watching life emerge from an egg you’ve carefully tended. However, even with the best equipment and intentions, not every egg will make it to hatch. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by low hatch rates, you’re not alone.

At Clucker Ridge Farms, we believe that knowledge is the key to better hatchability. Below, we’ll explore the top 5 reasons hatching eggs can fail and share tips and tricks to help you get the best results with every hatch.

1. Improper Egg Storage Before Incubation

Why it matters:
Eggs are living cells, and the way they’re handled before incubation plays a huge role in hatch success. Storing them too long, in the wrong conditions, or with improper handling can compromise embryo viability.

Common issues include:

• Storing eggs at high temperatures (above 75°F) or in freezing conditions

• Holding eggs for more than 7–10 days before incubation

• Storing eggs with the small end up instead of pointed end down

• Not turning eggs during storage, which can cause the yolk to stick to the shell

Tips for success:

• Store hatching eggs at 50–60°F in a clean, dry space.

• Place eggs pointed end down in cartons.

• Turn stored eggs once or twice a day until they’re set in the incubator.

• Aim to set eggs within 7 days of collection for the highest hatchability.

2. Improper Incubator Temperature & Humidity

Why it matters:
The incubator essentially replaces the mother hen, and even slight variations in temperature or humidity can cause embryos to quit developing.

Temperature problems:

• Temperatures that are too low can delay development, cause weak chicks, or prevent hatching altogether.

• Temperatures that are too high can speed up development, leading to early hatching, deformities, or embryo death.

Humidity problems:

• Too low: Eggs lose moisture too quickly, chicks stick to the shell and cannot hatch.

• Too high: Eggs retain too much moisture, drowning the chick during development.

Tips for success:

• Maintain a consistent 99.5°F in forced-air incubators (with fans) or 101–102°F in still-air incubators.

• Keep humidity around 45–55% for the first 18 days and increase to 65–70% during lockdown (days 18–21).

• Always calibrate your thermometer and hygrometer before use.

3. Poor Egg Quality or Fertility Issues

Why it matters:
Not all fertile eggs are created equal. The quality of the parent stock greatly influences hatch success. Even with perfect incubation, eggs from unhealthy or genetically weak birds may fail.

Common causes include:

• Older or very young hens producing weak or irregular eggs

• Roosters with low fertility due to age, stress, or illness

• Eggs that are misshapen, cracked, or have porous shells

• Breeding birds that don’t meet SOP (Standard of Perfection) health standards

Tips for success:

• Select hatching eggs only from healthy, mature hens and vigorous roosters.

• Avoid using eggs that are cracked, thin-shelled, or very small/large.

• Rotate your breeding flock to prevent inbreeding issues.

• Feed breeder birds a nutrient-rich diet with extra protein, calcium, and vitamins.

4. Contamination & Bacterial Infections

Why it matters:
An egg is designed to protect the chick inside, but its porous shell also allows bacteria to enter if not handled correctly. Contamination is a leading cause of early embryo death.

Common contamination sources include:

• Dirty nesting boxes or soiled eggs set in the incubator

• Unsanitized hands handling eggs

• Incubators that aren’t properly cleaned between hatches

Tips for success:

• Collect eggs frequently (2–3 times daily) to prevent soiling.

• Never wash hatching eggs with water (this removes the protective bloom).

• If necessary, gently dry-clean eggs with a brush or sandpaper.

• Disinfect your incubator before every hatch using a mild bleach solution or specialized incubator cleaner.

5. Improper Turning of Eggs

Why it matters:
During the first 18 days, eggs must be turned regularly to prevent the developing embryo from sticking to the shell membrane. In nature, a broody hen instinctively turns her eggs dozens of times a day. Without this movement, chicks often fail to develop properly.

Common issues include:

• Forgetting to turn eggs consistently

• Turning too little or at irregular intervals

• Handling eggs roughly while turning

Tips for success:

• Turn eggs at least 3–5 times a day until day 18.

• Use an automatic egg turner if possible for consistency.

• Always wash your hands before turning eggs to prevent bacteria transfer.

• Stop turning at day 18 to allow chicks to position themselves for hatch (“lockdown”).

Bonus Factor: Opening the Incubator Too Often

One more common mistake many beginners make is opening the incubator during lockdown. Each time the incubator is opened, humidity and temperature levels drop quickly, which can cause chicks to shrink-wrap inside the shell and fail to hatch.

Tip:
Resist the urge to check—keep the incubator closed from day 18 until hatch is complete!

How to Improve Your Hatch Rates

Now that you know the biggest reasons hatching eggs can fail, here are some additional best practices to boost your success rate:

• Start with quality stock: Healthy breeders = healthy eggs.

• Set only clean, well-formed eggs.

• Keep records of hatch dates, fertility checks, and hatch percentages.

• Candle eggs around day 7 and day 14 to remove clears and quitters.

• Maintain a stable environment in your hatching room—avoid drafts, direct sunlight, and large temperature swings.

• Don’t overcrowd your incubator. Give eggs enough airflow.

Final Thoughts

Hatching eggs is both an art and a science. While not every egg will make it to hatch, understanding the main causes of failure can dramatically improve your success. At Clucker Ridge Farms, we’re passionate about producing healthy, SOP-standard birds so that our customers start with the best possible chance of success. By pairing quality hatching eggs with careful incubation practices, you can enjoy stronger hatch rates and healthier chicks.

So the next time you set eggs in your incubator, remember: success begins long before the hatch—it starts with proper care, quality eggs, and consistency every step of the way.