The Truth About Dry Hatching:
Why Uneek Poultry Recommends a Smarter Approach

Hatching eggs successfully requires precision, patience, and the right knowledge.
At Uneek Poultry, we pride ourselves on providing Australia’s best support for poultry keepers, ensuring that every hatch is set up for success.

One term that often circulates in poultry circles is Dry Hatching—a practice that many misunderstand and, unfortunately, apply without considering critical factors.

What is Dry Hatching?

Dry Hatching refers to incubating eggs without adding water to the incubator to control humidity. The idea behind this method is that in certain environments, natural humidity levels are sufficient for a successful hatch. While this may work in some cases, the reality is that most poultry keepers cannot simply guess at humidity levels and expect consistent results.

The Problem with Dry Hatching

The biggest issue with Dry Hatching is the assumption that incubator humidity does not need to be monitored or controlled. However, every environment is different—factors such as climate, season, and even room conditions affect humidity levels.

Without knowing the actual humidity inside your incubator, you are taking a gamble with your hatch rates. If the air is too dry, eggs can lose too much moisture, causing chicks to become trapped inside the shell.
If the humidity is too high, eggs may retain excess moisture, leading to weak chicks or failed hatches.

The Right Approach: Monitoring and Adjusting Humidity

Rather than blindly following Dry Hatching methods, Uneek Poultry recommends a science-based approach:

1. Measure Humidity First – Always use a reliable hygrometer to monitor humidity levels inside the incubator. Guesswork leads to failure.
2. Understand the Correct Humidity Range – Ideal humidity varies depending on egg type, climate, and incubator model. Generally, poultry eggs require 40-50% humidity during incubation and 65-75% humidity during lockdown (the final three days).
3. Adjust Based on Egg Weight Loss – Proper moisture loss is key to chick development. We recommend tracking egg weight loss to ensure embryos develop correctly.
4. Adapt to Your Environment – If you live in an area with naturally high humidity, you may not need extra water. However, if you’re in a dry climate, adding water is essential.

Why Uneek Poultry is Australia’s Trusted Incubation Expert

At Uneek Poultry, we provide accurate, science-backed incubation advice, along with high-quality egg incubators and accessories.
Our expert support ensures that our customers achieve higher hatch rates and healthier chicks.

When you purchase an incubator from Uneek Poultry, you’re not just buying a product—you’re gaining access to Australia’s best customer support, detailed guidance, and troubleshooting assistance. Whether you’re a backyard breeder or a large-scale poultry keeper, we are here to help you hatch successfully.

Final Thoughts

Dry Hatching is not a universal solution—it’s a term that has been overused and misunderstood.
Successful hatching requires knowledge, monitoring humidity, and adjusting conditions as needed.

If you want the best results, trust Uneek Poultry for expert guidance, top-quality incubators, and Australia’s leading poultry support. Browse our range of incubators today or contact us for advice tailored to your specific setup!