The chiken egg deleup process is a fascinating journey that takes exactly 21 days. During this time, a tiny embryo inside the egg grows into a fully developed chick. This process requires the right temperature, humidity, and careful handling.
Eggs can be hatched naturally under a broody hen or artificially in an incubator. Both methods require close monitoring to ensure successful development.
Understanding the different stages of development helps farmers and poultry keepers improve their hatch rates. Proper care at each stage ensures the chick is strong and healthy after hatching.
This article will explore the entire chiken egg deleup process, from fertilization to the moment the chick emerges from its shell.
How a Chicken Egg is Formed Inside a Hen
A hen lays eggs whether or not they are fertilized. However, only fertilized eggs can hatch into chicks. The formation of an egg inside the hen takes about 24-26 hours.
Once fertilization occurs, the egg yolk forms first inside the hen’s ovary. It then moves through the oviduct, where layers of egg white and membranes develop around it.
The final step is the shell formation, which happens in the uterus (shell gland). The shell is made mostly of calcium, which protects the growing embryo.
A hen can lay a fertilized egg even after mating days before, as sperm can survive inside the hen’s body for about two weeks.
Incubation Conditions for Egg Development
Once laid, a fertilized egg needs the right conditions to develop into a chick. These conditions can be maintained naturally by a hen or artificially in an incubator.
The ideal incubation temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), with humidity levels around 50-55% for the first 18 days. During the last three days, humidity should be increased to 65-75%.
Eggs need to be turned at least 3-5 times daily until day 18. This prevents the embryo from sticking to the eggshell and ensures even development.
Ventilation is also crucial, as the developing embryo needs oxygen. Eggs have tiny pores that allow oxygen in and carbon dioxide out.
A well-maintained incubation environment helps maximize hatch rates, ensuring more chicks successfully develop and hatch.
Stages of Chicken Egg Development (Day 1-21)
The chiken egg deleup process takes place over 21 days, with the embryo growing rapidly each day. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different stages:
Table: Chicken Egg Development Timeline
| Day | Development Stage |
| Day 1-3 | Heart and blood vessels form, heart starts beating. |
| Day 4-7 | Eyes, legs, and wings appear. Beak formation begins. |
| Day 8-14 | Feathers grow, the embryo moves, yolk absorption starts. |
| Day 15-18 | Beak hardens, chick positions itself for hatching. |
| Day 19-21 | Chick breaks the eggshell and hatches. |
Each stage requires proper care to ensure healthy development. The embryo absorbs nutrients from the yolk as it grows.
During the last few days, the chick takes up most of the space inside the egg. It prepares for hatching by absorbing the remaining yolk and positioning itself correctly.
By day 21, the chick is fully developed and ready to break out of the shell. This process is called pipping and usually takes several hours.
Day 1-3: The Beginning of Life
Development starts immediately after incubation begins. Within the first 24 hours, the fertilized egg begins dividing into multiple cells.
By day 2, the heart starts forming, and on day 3, it begins beating. Blood vessels spread throughout the egg, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the embryo.
The nervous system also begins forming during this time. Though the chick is still tiny, these early developments are crucial for later growth.
Turning the eggs regularly is essential during this stage. It prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell, ensuring even growth.
Day 4-7: Organ Development
By day 4, tiny limb buds appear, which will become the chick’s legs and wings. The eyes grow larger, and the beak starts forming.
On day 5, the embryo begins moving slightly inside the egg. Though these movements are not visible, they indicate that the chick is developing properly.
By day 6, the bones begin forming, and the chick starts taking shape. The heart is fully functional, pumping blood throughout the body.
At day 7, feather follicles appear, marking the beginning of the chick’s outer features. The chick is now more recognizable as a developing bird.
Day 8-14: Rapid Growth Phase
During this period, the chick grows rapidly and becomes more active inside the egg. Feathers start developing, and the body takes on a more defined shape.
By day 10, the beak hardens, and the legs become stronger. The embryo now responds to external stimuli, such as vibrations or slight temperature changes.
At day 12, the chick begins absorbing nutrients from the yolk, which will sustain it until hatching. The intestines start functioning, and the body is covered with down feathers.
By day 14, the embryo fills most of the egg, with its head positioned toward the air sac. The chick is now preparing for the final stages of development.
Day 15-18: Final Preparations for Hatching
The chick’s lungs start functioning, and it begins breathing air from inside the egg. This is an essential step before external hatching.
By day 16, the chick moves into position for hatching, with its beak near the air sac. It absorbs the last nutrients from the yolk for extra energy.
At day 18, the egg turning must stop, allowing the chick to settle in place for hatching. The chick is now almost fully developed and ready to emerge.
Proper humidity levels are crucial at this stage. Too little moisture can cause the chick to stick to the shell, making hatching difficult.
Day 19-21: The Hatching Process
By day 19, the chick starts the internal pipping stage, where it breaks through the inner membrane to access the air sac.
On day 20, the chick begins external pipping, creating a small hole in the shell using its egg tooth. This process can take several hours as the chick rests in between.
By day 21, the chick makes the final push, breaking the shell completely. It emerges wet and exhausted but quickly dries in the incubator or under the mother hen.
After hatching, the chick rests and does not need immediate food, as it still absorbs nutrients from the yolk. It will begin eating and drinking after 24 hours.
Conclusion
The chiken egg deleup process is a well-structured 21-day journey that requires careful monitoring. Each stage of development is crucial for the chick’s survival.
With the right incubation conditions, such as correct temperature, humidity, and turning, a high hatch success rate can be achieved.
Understanding this process helps poultry farmers, breeders, and hatchery managers raise healthy chickens efficiently.
By ensuring proper care at each step, the hatching success rate can be maximized, leading to a stronger and healthier flock.
FAQs
How long does the chiken egg deleup process take?
The process takes exactly 21 days, from fertilization to hatching, under proper incubation conditions.
Why is egg turning important during incubation?
Turning prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell and ensures even development until day 18.
What temperature is ideal for successful egg incubation?
The ideal temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), maintaining stability throughout the incubation period.
How does a chick break out of the shell?
It uses its egg tooth to crack the shell in a process called pipping, which can take several hours.
Why do some eggs fail to hatch?
Failures are often due to infertility, improper incubation conditions, or weak embryo development.
