How long does the hatching experience take?

The full incubation period is 21 days, with eggs placed on Day 1 and chicks typically hatching around Day 21.

Do I need to do anything during incubation?

Very little. The incubator is fully automatic—you’ll simply keep an eye on the temperature and humidity indicators and candle the eggs at the recommended times to see how the embryos are developing.

Can I leave the eggs alone during incubation?

Yes! Our incubators are fully automatic, so you can leave the eggs unattended for a weekend without any worries. The incubator handles the temperature, turning, and airflow on its own — which is especially great for teachers who don’t need to check on it over the weekend. Everything will continue smoothly while you’re away.

Before you leave, just make sure the incubator is:

• plugged into a reliable outlet

• in a stable room-temperature environment

Other than that, you’re good to go — your hatch will continue perfectly while you’re away!

Is this safe for children and classrooms?

Yes. The incubator runs at low voltage, stays closed during heating, and the process is clean and contained.

What happens to the chicks after they hatch?

You keep them warm in the incubator for 24 hours. Unless arranged otherwise, The Hatcher comes back to pick them up—no long-term care required.

Where do my chicks go after The Hatcher retrieves them?

Once we pick up your chicks, they’re transported to their forever coops—safe, healthy environments where they’re raised with proper care. There, they’ll grow into fully mature hens and roosters, and many will eventually lay eggs that begin the hatching cycle for other families and classrooms.

What if none of the eggs hatch?

While hatch rates can vary, a complete no-hatch is highly unlikely. All eggs come from fertile flocks and are handled with care. If you ever do experience a full no-hatch, we’ll make it right.

What if a chick hatches early or late?

Some chicks pip a day early or a day late. This is normal. You’ll receive instructions and support either way.

Can I open the incubator during hatch?

Not once a chick has pipped. Opening the lid drops humidity and can cause chicks to get stuck. We’ll tell you exactly when it’s safe to open and when it’s not.

What age groups is this best for?

Perfect for families with kids, homeschool groups, elementary classrooms, preschools, and even adults who just want a meaningful project.

How do I schedule my hatch?

Contact us via the “Reserve Your Hatch” tab. Reservations are first-come, first-serve. Incubations start on the first Saturday of each month, with hatch day landing on the fourth Saturday. Custom start dates are available for an additional fee.

How much space does it take?

Very little—about the size of a small kitchen appliance. You just need a stable tabletop away from vents and direct sunlight.

What if something goes wrong?

You’ll have direct text support from us throughout the process. Most issues can be solved quickly with simple adjustments.

Can I choose how many eggs we hatch?

Yes. The small incubator holds 7 eggs and the larger one holds 24 eggs.

Do the eggs smell or make a mess?

No. Healthy, developing eggs have no odor. The entire process stays inside the closed incubator.

How do I know the eggs are healthy?

All eggs come from PT-clean, bio-secure breeders, and are kept fresh and properly stored before delivery.