Well I started this year, in Jan. and kept hatching and tweaking how I hatched and have been getting really good hatches. I don't think I have slept all through the night since then, but this is my last batch then I need a break.
I like aggressive chicks. I got eggs from a friend, she said "you will have to put on gloves to get the eggs because she pecks" I said I am not scared, when the eggs hatched out, the chicks liked pecking too.
If they have poked a hole they could take up to 24 hrs to totally hatch, they might not even move for that long. just let them be and they will hatch. If you do try to help- and open part of a shell, be sure to leave it for 24 hrs before taking any more shell off, they have yolk to absorb and...
they poke the shell so they can breathe then rest for 24 hrs and if they don't try to get out during that time it is okay, if it has been over 24 hrs, give it a few more then if you do help go slow and if you see veins and stuff stop and put it back
I don't do alot diff on lock down I just keep the bator closed keeps in moisture. I have may eggs in laundry room. my drier hose has holes so we get some moisture in that room. some times I put in a moistened paper towel 1/2 with water squeezed out after the internal /and outer pip.
i dry hatch but I had gone though what you are going through when i listened to adding too much water. If your batch is not ruined you may be able to correct it, just go with less water for the rest of you hatch. that is why people check the air cell on days 7/14 and 18 so they can see if there...