Do I need a hatching mat?

The quick answer ideally is Yes - it is always good practice to use hatching mat of some sort.

A hatching mat has many different benefits. The main benefit is that it creates a surface that young hatchlings can grip onto, stopping them from sliding around in the machine. Stopping this prevents deformities in the hatchling, such as 'splayed legs'. Using a hatching mat also makes cleaning the machine itself a lot easier - an added benefit! If you use a 'corrugated card-like' disposable hatching mat - as is included with the Brinsea Incubators - it means it can just be thrown away. The result? Minimal cleaning of the base after each hatch. Alternatively, if you have a separate hatching tray like in the River Systems ET Incubators, the tray - or a mat like our foam hatching mats - can be washed separately, again meaning less cleaning of the base.

A lot of incubators - such as the Rcom 10 PRO and Rcom 20 MAX - have a slightly frosted floor which creates a rough surface for young hatchlings to grip onto; preventing them from sliding around inside the incubator. This is great if you're breeding hens, or quail, but we would still recommend getting a non-slip mat like our foam hatching mat or some corrugated card to place in the base at hatching time especially if you are hatching larger birds such as ducks or geese. These birds can be a little bit wobblier on their feet and just need some extra grip.

You can find our range of hatching mats here. If you can’t find a specific mat for your machine, you can use a non-slip fabric or corrugated card cut to the shape of your machine.