Eeek just started lockdown and the humidity won't stay up - Page 2

How is the humidity running now? Did you get above the original 44%? 

I have had chicks hatch just fine at the lower RH levels. On a staggered hatch  because unknown set date (eggs taken from broody)  the eggs hatched 1-2 a day for over a week. Heard a peep , tucked in the sponges, CHick hatched, remove the sponge.   Crazy hatch!

THe RH will go up as the chicks hatch --they are pretty wet and add to the humidity. 

Can you lift more of the sponge out of the water? Just a small portion of the sponge needs to be in the water to wick the water up the sponge. THe more the sponge towers into the air, the more moisture it will release into the air. 

And whatever you do, do not help the chicks out. If they have been trying for more than 24 hrs then maybe help them but at that point only a few make it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLRW 

And whatever you do, do not help the chicks out. If they have been trying for more than 24 hrs then maybe help them but at that point only a few make it.

It is amazing how different our experiences can be. I have helped many chicks and turkey poults with much success. Saved far more than lost chicks. Have lost some chicks that completed hatch on own.  I do wait 24 post pip and open shell very  very slowly looking for the veining in layer below the outer membrane. 

FIrst, to conquer the humidity!

How is everything looking today??

I am new to this thread and have got so much helpful information from this forum.  I just hatched 13 cochin bantums from the incubator this week.  I had a very successful hatch 13 eggs=13 beautiful chicks!!!

This was my first time and was very nervous. I had 3 eggs that were 2 days late (probably due to low temp.)  One morning they had pipped...happiness quickly turned to sadness when we lost electricity for most the day. My heart sunk as hour by hour past. When they stopped moving, chirping, etc.  I made a decision to help them....I KNOW you are not supposed to do it, but I was desperate.  I got the BLUNT end of a sewing neddle, warm water to dab on keeping the membrane moist, and a floor heater to sit in front of for warmth.  SLOWLY I chipped away at the outer layer (shell) to make sure there was no blood...starting where it pipped. When I saw there was no blood,  I would gently tear the membrane back with the blunt end, making sure not to hurt the chick. Long story short...when I got the big end off  (where their head is) I put it back in bator so they could do the rest. They are 5 days old now and just lil cuties!!! I do realize nature is supposed to take its course, but I had to go with my gut.  I have no regrets, bc i know they would have died.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanray 

I am new to this thread and have got so much helpful information from this forum.  I just hatched 13 cochin bantums from the incubator this week.  I had a very successful hatch 13 eggs=13 beautiful chicks!!!

This was my first time and was very nervous. I had 3 eggs that were 2 days late (probably due to low temp.)  One morning they had pipped...happiness quickly turned to sadness when we lost electricity for most the day. My heart sunk as hour by hour past. When they stopped moving, chirping, etc.  I made a decision to help them....I KNOW you are not supposed to do it, but I was desperate.  I got the BLUNT end of a sewing neddle, warm water to dab on keeping the membrane moist, and a floor heater to sit in front of for warmth.  SLOWLY I chipped away at the outer layer (shell) to make sure there was no blood...starting where it pipped. When I saw there was no blood,  I would gently tear the membrane back with the blunt end, making sure not to hurt the chick. Long story short...when I got the big end off  (where their head is) I put it back in bator so they could do the rest. They are 5 days old now and just lil cuties!!! I do realize nature is supposed to take its course, but I had to go with my gut.  I have no regrets, bc i know they would have died.

GReat job!  I do believing in helping so kudos to you.