Eggs are not just a delicious staple in our diets, but also the beginning of new life for chickens. The process of how eggs hatch is a fascinating and intricate journey that involves various stages of development. In this blog post, we will explore the amazing journey of an egg from fertilization to hatching and learn about the wonders of chick development.
You may also want to read about the best incubator.
The Fertilization Process
The journey of an egg starts with fertilization. When a hen mates with a rooster, the rooster’s sperm fertilizes the hen’s egg inside her reproductive tract. The fertilized egg then begins its development inside the hen’s body before being laid.
Formation of the Egg
As the fertilized egg travels down the hen’s oviduct, it undergoes various transformations to form a complete egg. The first stage is the formation of the yolk, which is produced in the hen’s ovary. The yolk contains all the nutrients necessary for the developing chick and is encased in a protective yolk membrane.
Next, the egg white, also known as the albumen, is secreted around the yolk in the oviduct. The egg white provides a cushioning layer and a source of hydration for the developing chick.
Finally, the outermost layer, the eggshell, is formed. The shell is made of calcium carbonate and is gradually deposited around the egg in the oviduct. The shell serves as a protective barrier against external contaminants and provides structural support for the developing chick.
how eggs hatch
Incubation
After being laid, the fertilized egg is ready for incubation. Incubation is the process of keeping the egg at the optimal temperature and humidity levels to allow the chick to develop and eventually hatch.
In nature, the hen would naturally incubate her eggs by sitting on them and keeping them warm with her body heat. In a domestic setting, artificial incubators are commonly used to provide the ideal conditions for egg development. These incubators control the temperature, humidity, and ventilation to mimic the hen’s natural incubation process.
Embryonic Development
Once the egg is placed in an incubator, the embryo starts to develop. The embryo is a tiny, specialized organism that forms from the fertilized egg.
During the first day of incubation, the cells of the embryo divide rapidly, forming different tissues and organs. By the end of the first day, the basic structures of the chick, such as the head, spinal cord, and eyes, start to form.
Over the next several days, the chick continues to develop, with the internal organs taking shape and the feathers starting to form. The chick is also surrounded by the amniotic fluid, which provides cushioning and protection during its development.
Around day 21, the chick is fully developed and ready to hatch. The chick uses an egg tooth, a small protuberance on its beak, to crack the eggshell from the inside. It takes time and effort for the chick to break free from the shell, using its legs and wings to push and rotate until it creates a small hole.
How eggs hatch?
How eggs hatch? The hatching process is a remarkable feat of strength and determination for the chick. Once the hole in the shell is created, the chick begins to push against the shell with its legs and wings, slowly cracking it open.
As the chick pushes against the shell, it takes in air and oxygen through a specialized membrane called the chorioallantoic membrane. This membrane provides the chick with the necessary oxygen to breathe during the hatching process.
The hatching process can take several hours or even a day to complete. The chick gradually works its way around the circumference of the shell, creating a “zipper” pattern with small cracks.