Breeding chickens can be done naturally with a broody hen or artificially using an incubator. A broody hen is a natural and reliable way to hatch eggs, as she provides warmth, turns the eggs, and cares for the chicks after they hatch. However, not all breeds go broody, making artificial incubation a popular alternative.
Incubators mimic the natural conditions required for hatching, maintaining optimal temperature (99.5°F or 37.5°C) and humidity levels. The incubation process usually takes 21 days, with the first 18 days requiring regular egg turning and the last three days (lockdown period) requiring a stable environment without disturbances.
Choosing the right incubation method depends on your goals. If you have a small flock and a reliable broody hen, natural incubation may be the easiest option. However, if you want to hatch a large number of chicks or need a more controlled environment, an incubator is the better choice.