Rice-husk incubation of chicken eggs

Abstract

This interesting traditional method of incubation (keeping eggs warm until they hatch) is in common use throughout Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and China. The system uses no electricity and requires only the occasional use of a small kerosene stove. The method can be used in villages lacking power and using locally available materials. The system makes possible the hatching of hundreds of chicken eggs at a time. The basis for the whole procedure is the fact that the chicken embryo (egg-bound baby chick) of seven days or more will produce enough body heat to warm itself and other eggs if placed in a well-insulated container. When the incubation is beginning and there are no older eggs, it is necessary to keep the eggs heated by placing them between jute bags filled with heated rice husk; later, no additional heat will be needed except that which is produced by the eggs themselves. Practice is necessary to master this system of incubation. Because of the fact that electricity is not necessary for this method, large scale extension work is also possible by hatching of eggs in rural area. It is also helpful to improve the economic and social status of rural poor people, by improving the income from sales of chicks.