A bittersweet hatch...what went wrong? (Warning-graphic pics)

[ginasmarans]

So sorry about your hatch. It is heartbreaking when something like that happens. I agree about the humidity being high. I try to keeo mine close to 50% for the first 18 days,in fact,I don't even add water unless it has been down to 49% for a day or more.Don't get discouraged.My first hatch was 0%. I was using an old Brower and never could get the temps to stabalize. Next time I bought a new wafer thermastat and had a great hatch.

 

[hencackle]

Marcus...I don't know if you live in a humid area, but IF you do, you might want to consider the dry incubation method. Its humid where I live and I use a LG 'bator (no fan, no turner). I've had good hatch rates, even with the shipped eggs. What works for me is not to add water until day 18...I don't plug the vent holes until day 18 either.

Here is the dry incubation info: https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-DryIncubation.html

I'm sorry about your hatch, I know you're disappointed.

 

[marcuscarr]

The sickly little bird made it, so we have four healthy little barred rocks.

I warmed a paper towel with water and wrapped the chicks body in it, held her till the towel started to cool, then replaced the towel with a new warm one. I did this for about 20 minutes, then switched to a dry towel and rotated that for about 20 minutes.

By the time I was done, all the sticky was off of her and I put her back in with the others. The next morning, she had fluffed complete and was eating and drinking.


Our humidity in the house is about 30%. I adjusted the incubator humidity to get it to 40% and will try that for the next hatch. The temps still stay a very stable 99.5. Of course I will post the results =]

Marcus