Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hello everyone,

Im getting ready to start incubating some chicken eggs from my Rhode Island Reds (RIR). Theyve recently started laying, but Ive noticed that their eggs are a bit on the small side. Im confident that the eggs are fertilized, but Im wondering if I should wait for them to lay larger eggs before starting the incubation process. Ive heard mixed opinions on whether the size of the egg affects the hatch rate or the development of the chicks.

Any advice on whether I should wait or go ahead and incubate these smaller eggs would be appreciated! Thank you!

I wouldn't worry too much. Smaller eggs from first-time layers are normal, and they can still hatch fine. In fact, some hatchers report that eggs from young hens actually have higher hatch rates! Just make sure to monitor your incubator's humidity and temperature closely.

I've incubated smaller eggs from my new layers and had some hatch, though I've noticed the chicks can sometimes be smaller or weaker. If you're okay with that possibility and just want to give it a try, I'd say go for it! Just be extra diligent in maintaining incubator conditions.

Personally, I would wait a little while longer. Sometimes, as hens continue laying, their eggs will get bigger and more consistent. You might want to hold off until you get a batch of eggs that are more uniform in size. That way, you increase the chances of a good hatch rate.

If you're confident the eggs are fertilized and they've been laid by healthy hens, go ahead and incubate them. Small eggs from new layers are common, and they can still hatch fine. Just be prepared for a slightly lower hatch rate than with larger eggs.

If you're confident they're fertilized, I wouldn't hesitate to incubate. I've had success with small eggs from first-time layers, though I've heard the hatch rate can be a little unpredictable. Just make sure to maintain perfect incubation conditions, and you should still get some good results.

Small eggs from new layers are common, and they usually hatch just fine. You might see a lower hatch rate compared to eggs from older hens, but they're still worth incubating. As long as you're confident the eggs are fertilized, there's no harm in going ahead and trying!

If you want the best chances of success, you might want to wait until the eggs are larger. Smaller eggs from new layers are often less developed, and the embryos might not grow as well. But it's not a deal-breaker,many people successfully hatch small eggs, they just might require extra attention.

I'd go ahead and incubate the eggs! Even though they're smaller, as long as they're fertilized and you're maintaining proper incubation conditions, they should hatch just fine. First-time layers often lay smaller eggs, and they tend to get larger as the hens continue laying.

You can incubate those smaller eggs, but keep in mind that the hatch rate might not be as high as with larger eggs. Hens tend to lay small eggs early in their laying cycle, and over time, the eggs should grow larger. So, it's really up to you whether you want to wait or not.