Hatching Success Guide - Complete Incubation & Breeding Guide

Your Setup, Your Way

Flockstar doesn't force a structure on how you organize your birds. Whether you have a single "Main Coop" or named breeding pairs with full lineage tracking, the app adapts to your workflow - from simple to sophisticated.

For a deeper dive into setting up breeding flocks and lineage tracking, see our Breeding Records & Lineage Guide →

1. Understanding Flockstar's Hatching System

Flockstar's hatching system is built around four core components that work together to streamline your incubation process: Presets, Runs, Sources, and Observations. Plus, automatic task creation keeps you on schedule.

Key Hatching Terminology

Automatic Task Creation

Flockstar automatically creates tasks and reminders for key hatching milestones:

• Candling reminders: Get notified when it's time to candle eggs
• Lockdown alerts: Reminders to stop turning and increase humidity
• Hatch day notifications: Know when to expect your chicks

2. Setting Up Hatching Presets

Presets are the foundation of efficient hatching in Flockstar. By creating templates for your common hatching scenarios, you can start new runs quickly and ensure consistency across your breeding program.

Why Start with Presets?

Creating presets first saves you time and ensures consistency:

• Skip repetitive setup for each new run
• Maintain consistent incubation parameters
• Reduce setup errors and forgotten settings
• Standardize your breeding program approach

Creating Your First Preset:

1. Navigate to the Hatching module using the bottom tab bar
2. Tap "Presets" to access your preset templates
3. Tap the orange + button to create a new preset
4. Set Run Type: Choose the type of hatching (usually breed and/or species)
5. Configure source settings: Set up how you'll specify egg sources

Essential Preset Parameters:

Common Preset Scenarios

3. Creating Hatching Runs

With your presets set up, creating new hatching runs becomes quick and easy. The run creation wizard guides you through four steps to set up everything you need for a successful hatch.

The 4-Step Run Creation Wizard:

Multi-Source Tracking:

One of Hatching v2's most powerful features is multi-source tracking. Instead of creating separate runs for each breeding pen, you can track eggs from multiple sources in a single incubator batch.

Adding Sources to a Run:

1. In Step 2 (Sources), tap "Add Source"
2. Choose a linked flock or enter a custom source name
3. Enter the number of eggs from this source
4. Repeat for each breeding pen contributing eggs
5. Use "Copy from previous run" to quickly replicate your usual sources

Run Status Tracking

Key Run Metrics:

4. Recording Observations

Observations are your daily notes and important events during the incubation process. They help you track patterns, troubleshoot issues, and build a comprehensive record of your hatching program.

Adding Observations:

1. Open your active hatching run from the runs list
2. Tap "Observations" to view and add notes
3. Tap the orange + button to add a new observation
4. Set the date: When this observation occurred
5. Write your notes: Detailed observations and findings
6. Save the observation: It's now part of your run record

What to Record:

Sample Observation Entries:

5. Analyzing Your Results

After each hatching run, analyze your data to improve future results. Flockstar provides comprehensive metrics and the ability to compare runs across your breeding program.

Per-Source Analytics:

With multi-source tracking, you can analyze performance at both the run level and the individual source level. This helps identify your best performing breeding pens and make data-driven decisions.

Key Performance Indicators:

6. Advanced Hatching Features

Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore these advanced features to take your hatching program to the next level.

Multiple Incubator Management:

If you use multiple incubators or have different incubation setups, create separate presets and runs to track performance differences:

Breeding Program Integration:

Export and Sharing:

Share your hatching results with other breeders or keep detailed records for your breeding program:

• Export run data: Save detailed reports for your records
• Share with breeders: Provide comprehensive reports when selling hatching eggs or chicks
• Track long-term trends: Compare results across multiple seasons and years
• Document your program: Build a comprehensive breeding and hatching history
• Backup your data: Ensure your valuable breeding data is preserved

Ready to Start Hatching?

Flockstar's hatching system provides everything you need for successful incubation tracking. From preset templates to automatic reminders, comprehensive run management to detailed observations, you'll have the tools to improve your hatch rates and build a successful breeding program.