The success of any poultry business begins long before chicks enter the brooder. It starts inside the hatchery. Proper hatchery management combined with modern hatchery technology determines hatchability, chick quality, and overall profitability.

In today’s competitive poultry industry, understanding how hatcheries work — and using the standard operating procedures — can be the difference between profit and loss.

PURPOSE

This SOP guides customers on the correct use of the Nigerian made Hastec automatic egg Incubator to achieve high hatchability, healthy chicks, and safe operation.

These eggs require precise conditions of temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg turning to develop properly.

BEFORE YOU START (VERY IMPORTANT)

2.1 Power Supply

Always connect to:

• Gas cylınder

• Electric Socket

• Battery

• Check the burner and lighter

2.2 Location of Incubator

Place incubator:
• Indoors
• On a flat surface
Away from:
• Direct sunlight
• Rain
• Wind
• Children

Room temperature: 20–30°C

EGG SELECTION (KEY TO SUCCESS)

1. Egg Selection and Handling

Only use eggs that are:
✔ Fertile
✔ Clean
✔ Normal size
✔ Not cracked

Do NOT use:
✖ Dirty eggs
✖ Cracked eggs
✖ Very small or very large eggs

Egg storage before setting:
• Maximum: 7 days
• Position: Pointed end down
• Cool, dry place

Egg Transportation:
• Avoid transportation during hot day.
• Don’t package the eggs in aır tight container always allow ventilation.

Never buy hatchable egg from local market

PREPARING THE INCUBATOR

1. Clean incubator before use

2. Fill water tray with clean water
3. Switch ON incubator
4. Allow it to run empty for 2–4 hours
5. Confirm readings:
   • Temperature: 37.7°C
   • Humidity: 55–60%

⚠️ Do not load eggs until temperature is stable

SETTING EGGS

•   Place eggs with pointed end down
•   Do not overcrowd trays
•   Close incubator properly
•   Record:
•   Date eggs were set
•   Number of eggs

For commercial hatcheries and small-scale farmers alike, SOP is no longer optional — it is essential.

INCUBATION MANAGEMENT

Day 1 – Day 18 (Incubation Period)

• Parameter Standard
• Temperature 37.7°C – 37.5°C
• Humidity 50–60%
• Egg Turning Automatic
• Turning Frequency hourly daily

Important Rules:

• Eggs must be turned daily
• Do not open incubator unnecessarily
• Check temperature & humidity morning and evening

Adhere to these sop rules and start with using the right incubator and proper training.

CANDLING (CHECKING EGGS)

Day 7
• Remove infertile eggs

Day 18
• Remove dead embryos

⚠️ Use a torch or candling light
⚠️ Work quickly and gently

HATCHING PERIOD

Day 19 – Day 21

Parameter Standard
Temperature 37.4°C
Humidity 65–70%
Egg Turning STOP
Egg Position Flat (hatch tray)

Do NOT:
✖ Turn eggs
✖ Open incubator frequently
✖ Reduce humidity

CHICK REMOVAL

FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE BELOW:
•   Allow chicks to dry inside incubator
•   Remove chicks after fully dry
•   Separate weak or abnormal chicks
   
Count:
•   Hatched chicks
•   Unhatched eggs

CLEAN AFTER HATCHING

1.  Switch OFF incubator
2.  Remove trays
3.  Wash with detergent
4.  Disinfect
5.  Dry completely before next use

EXPECTED PERFORMANCE AFTER CORRECT SOP GUIDELINES

Item Target
Hatchability 75–85%
Early chick mortality ≤ 2%
Incubation cycle 21 days for hen and varies for other bird type

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

❌ Poor quality eggs
❌ Power interruption
❌ Opening incubator too often
❌ Wrong humidity
❌ Stopping egg turning too early

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

•   Do not touch electrical parts with wet hands
•   Keep water away from control panel
•   Keep incubator out of children’s reach
•    Sense for gas leakage and act promptly.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you experience issues:
• Contact Hastec Technical Support (CONTACT LISTED BELOW)

Provide:
• Incubator model
• Day of incubation
• Temperature & humidity readings

DISCLAIMER

Hastec is not responsible for poor hatch results caused by:
• Poor egg quality
• Power failure
• Failure to follow this SOP

✅ Hastec Incubator + Correct SOP = Successful Hatching

Ready to build a successful hatchery?

Contact Hastec Incubation Technology Nigeria Limited today and let us help you hatch profit, not problems.

WhatsApp/Call: 09049459624

Send Us an Email: info@hastec.com.ng