This is why I keep the spray bottle handy. I can reach in to grab early hatchers if needed & get humidity right back up for the later ones. From what I have seen with splayed leg it's more from being stuck too long in the egg trying to hatch or from being placed on slippery brooder bottoms with no traction. In the case of hatching, the legs become stiff from being stuck in the wrong position too long. As for slippery footing, the legs slide out from under the birds constantly causing muscle damage from the sliding (like a sprained ankle or knee on a person).Yep, I was just going to say what SilkieSensation said. You're always better off with lower temps versus higher. On the other hand, they will develop at a lower temp, but I think that can put them at a greater risk of certain problems like splayed leg.
I've often heard Marans hatch later, but last year my Maran eggs were the first to hatch out of 5 breeds. I only have Maran eggs this time, so we'll see. At least I won't have other breeds hatching earlier, dying to get out of the hatcher while the Marans are pipping. Long drawn out hatches are so stressful.
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