1st time Guinea mum (almost)

[kuntrygirl]

[COLOR=4B0082]The shavings are kiln dried pine from Tractor Supply, and they are the large[/COLOR] [COLOR=4B0082]flake shavings[/COLOR][COLOR=4B0082]... not the fine, fluffy stuff. I don't have any issues with them eating it, but I provide feed and grit free choice so I am sure that helps. I usually buy 15-20 bags when they are on sale, but they are usually $4.99 or so for a compressed bag that says it'll cover 8 cu ft. (The price may vary tho since I am out here in CA). I change it all out at least 2 times a year... rake/sweep it all out then I'll shop vac like a mad woman. I usually do that after they molt in the Fall when the coop's full of feathers and then I'll do it again before they start laying in the Spring. The brooder part gets cleaned more frequently tho, since I use straw in there and younger keets are poop machines.[/COLOR]

I may step out of my "comfort zone" and try the bedding that you try. I know it's safe because if it weren't you wouldn't be using it. And since you are the Guinea GURU, I will follow your lead and git r done. Thanks!

 

[Kymw90]

Well today is day 24!!! I have tried to raise the humidity by filling the little wells and put a damp tissue in there too. Seems to have done the trick. I'm worried only 2 seem to be full on purple on the inside when I candled them last. I had to chuck 2 because they were most certainly infertile. So 4 left and only 2 seem to be doing something. When should I look for hatching? Any tips for prep? I'm so nervous!!!

I'm using a corvetto 7 incubator manual turn. Turned them half twice a day. Kept the humidity low until now. I'm doubting any will hatch but it is my first incubator hatch. Any words of comfort would be appreciated

 

[PeepsCA]

You may not see any pipping/hatching action going on until day 28... but I'd wait up until day 30/31 before you open up the incubator and check them again. Good luck, hope you get at least 2 to hatch so they can keep each other company!

 

[Kymw90]

It's day 28!! So guna look for movement. What is good humidty ?? I've seen too many variations of low or high so what is a happy medium?

 

[JLeigh]

Good luck!!!!! Let us know what happens. I'll be checking back for info!

 

[PeepsCA]

70%-75% humidity works great for my hatches, but I've had it up as high as 85% on more than one occasion and my hatches did fine. IME, the extra moisture helps those baby keets spin and zip much easier. Definitely keep it up to at least 65% tho. Good luck!

 

[JLeigh]

Checking....checking......any news kymw90?

 

[Kymw90]

We have our first pip!!! He had made a V!!! My humidity has dropped to 37% :-/ how can I raise it? More wet tissues??

 

[Kymw90]

I've added wet tissues!! Will check back soon. Also how long do they take from pip to hatch? When should I perhaps step in? I understand its never a good idea to help a chick out but I'm sure we've all done things we shouldn't and It turned out ok

 

[JLeigh]

Wet tissues - wet washcloth...a shallow dish like a mayonnaise jar lid....a VERY VERY clean (no soap, no perfumes...) sponge. What's the humidity up to now that you've added wet tissues?