Contact Information:
Phillip J. Clauer
Senior Extension Associate
4-H Youth and Specialty Poultry
Department of Poultry Science
The Pennsylvania State University
Planning and scheduling Checklist
Planning is crucial to the success of an embryology project. Use this section as a checklist to help you plan the project activities. As you complete each part check it off so you know what has been finished. Other important details to assist you with this project follow this checklist.
One to Six Months prior to the Start the Project
_____ Plan the exact dates during which you wish to do this project. Dates of the embryology project: ____________ to ____________ .
_____ Before you order eggs, decide what you will do with the chicks that hatch. Contact a farmer, zoo or other animal caretakers who are equipped to properly care for the chicks. The chicks will be placed with _______________________________________________ .
_____ To insure egg availability, order the eggs at least 1 to 3 months in advance of the day you plan to set them.
_____ Secure an incubator at least a month before the start of the project and be sure it works properly.
_____ Read the lessons plans and secure any materials you will need at least a month before the project begins.
Starting the Project
_____ Set-up the incubator in a safe area and start running it 48 hours before eggs are to arrive.
_____ Prepare the students a few days before the project begins. Help them understand the principles of incubation and embryology. Discuss what the class wishes to accomplish and what role they will play in reaching the goals of the project. This includes preparing calendars and other project resources.
_____ If your class plans to incubate eggs, prepare the eggs for incubation
_____ Turn the eggs three times daily.
_____ Keep water pans full at all times. Always add water that is warm to the touch.
_____ Keep daily records of all activities involving the eggs (i.e., turning, temperature, water added, candling, and other activities). These records are extremely helpful for trouble-shooting causes of poor hatches.
_____ Candle the eggs every three days to check progress.
_____ Stop-turning eggs three days (after 18 days for chicken eggs) prior to expected hatch.
_____ Prepare brooder box at least two days prior to expected hatch.
_____ Remove the chicks from the incubator and place them in a warm brooder within two to six hours after they hatch.
_____ Remove and discard all remaining unhatched eggs 60 hours after the first chick hatches, then disconnect incubator power.
_____ Clean and disinfect the incubator as soon as the power is disconnected.
_____ Let the incubator dry. Then store it in a safe, cool and dry place.