Troubleshooting Guide: Why Do Chicks Die Before Hatching & How to Prevent It

Successfully hatching eggs can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating when chicks fail to hatch despite proper incubation. Many factors contribute to embryo mortality at different incubation stages. Understanding these reasons can help prevent losses and improve hatch rates.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of chick mortality before hatching and how to prevent them effectively.

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Common Reasons Why Chicks Die Before Hatching

Chick mortality before hatching can occur at three stages:

1. Early Embryo Death (First Week)
2. Mid-Term Embryo Death (Days 8-17)
3. Late Embryo Death (Day 18 to Hatching)

1. Poor Egg Quality and Storage

• Cause: Infertile or low-quality eggs, old eggs, or improper storage before incubation.
• Prevention:
  • Use only fresh, fertilized eggs from healthy breeding stock.
  • Store eggs in a cool, humid environment (50-60°F) with the pointed end facing downward.
  • Avoid storing eggs for more than 7-10 days before incubation.

2. Incorrect Incubation Temperature

• Cause: Temperature fluctuations, overheating, or low temperatures can affect embryo development.
• Prevention:
  • Maintain a consistent incubator temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air incubators and 101°F (38.3°C) for still-air incubators.
  • Use a reliable thermometer and place it at egg level.
  • Avoid opening the incubator too often, as it causes temperature drops.

3. Improper Humidity Levels

• Cause: Low humidity leads to excessive moisture loss, while high humidity can cause drowning in the shell.
• Prevention:
  • Maintain humidity at 50-55% for the first 18 days and 65-75% for the final three days (lockdown period).
  • Regularly check humidity using a hygrometer.
  • Adjust humidity levels by adding or reducing water trays inside the incubator.

4. Poor Ventilation in the Incubator

• Cause: Lack of oxygen or excess carbon dioxide buildup can suffocate embryos.
• Prevention:
  • Ensure the incubator has proper ventilation openings.
  • Never block air vents, especially during the final days of incubation.

5. Incorrect Egg Turning

• Cause: Eggs must be turned to prevent embryos from sticking to the shell.
• Prevention:
  • Manually turn eggs at least 3-5 times a day or use an automatic turner.
  • Stop turning eggs after day 18 (lockdown period).

6. Bacterial or Fungal Infections

• Cause: Dirty eggs, poor hygiene, or contaminated incubators introduce bacteria and fungi, killing embryos.
• Prevention:
  • Only use clean, unwashed eggs (washing removes protective bloom).
  • Regularly disinfect the incubator with a safe disinfectant before and after incubation.

7. Inbreeding or Weak Genetics

• Cause: Genetic defects in parent stock can cause weak embryos that fail to hatch.
• Prevention:
  • Use strong, healthy breeding pairs with genetic diversity.
  • Avoid excessive inbreeding in your flock.

8. Power Outages or Incubator Malfunctions

• Cause: Power failures can cause temperature and humidity drops, leading to embryo death.
• Prevention:
  • Have a backup power source (generator or battery-powered incubator).
  • If a power outage occurs, wrap the incubator in a blanket to retain heat.

9. Improper Positioning of Eggs During Lockdown

• Cause: Incorrect placement of eggs can cause chicks to fail to pip or hatch.
• Prevention:
  • Place eggs horizontally or with the large end facing up during the last three days of incubation.
  • Do not turn or move eggs during the lockdown period.

10. Failure to Assist Hatching Chicks

• Cause: Weak chicks may struggle to break the shell, leading to exhaustion or death.
• Prevention:
  • Avoid assisting unless absolutely necessary.
  • If a chick is struggling for more than 24 hours, carefully break small pieces of the shell without damaging the membrane.

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How to Prevent Chick Mortality Before Hatching

To increase your hatching success, follow these best practices:

✅ Select fresh, high-quality, fertilized eggs.
✅ Store eggs properly before incubation.
✅ Maintain stable incubation temperature and humidity levels.
✅ Ensure proper ventilation in the incubator.
✅ Turn eggs regularly for the first 18 days.
✅ Keep the incubator clean and free from contamination.
✅ Use healthy breeding stock with good genetics.
✅ Prepare for power outages with backup solutions.
✅ Follow correct hatching procedures during lockdown.

By addressing these factors, you can significantly improve your hatch rates and ensure healthy, thriving chicks!