A couple of quick questions from a nervous hatcher

[2manyhats]

Hi all.

It's day 19 of a hatch and I am very nervous because I have not been doing well so far. Please remind me of the proper humidity for a chicken hatch and the proper humidity for a turkey hatch. (Afraid I've been wrong in the past)
Also, I see many of you use egg cartons to hatch in. Is it OK to use a foam carton? Please help calm my nerves.

Kimberly

 

[2manyhats]

Anybody?

I got 70-80% for chickens form the learning center. Does anyone have an answer about the foam cartons?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

For chickens-60-65% the humidity will go up as they hatch. Unsure about turkeys but, there are many people who will hatch them together so they must be about the same. They hatch them together so the chicks will teach the poults how to eat and drink. Just have to set the eggs so they hatch at the sametime.

I know some use the foam cartons. I believe the paper is better as it breathes more. Remember to cut out the bottom for air.

Good luck!

 

[2manyhats]

Thanks Kitty,

I'm ready to stop touching things now - sit on hands, sit on hands. I am not having good luck with hatches and really want a success. Ugh! 3 more days.

 

[estpr13]

If you need something to do, without opening the bator cheep at the eggs. That way the chicks will know who you are when they hatch. It is also neat to hear eggs cheeping back on day 21.