Are silkies harder to hatch?

[StevenW.]

Are they? I've heard it both ways either they are harder or they are easy.


Thanks in advance!

 

[jenlynn4]

I think they prefer a little less humidity than some of the other breeds. I usually keep my humidity between 40-45% durring the first 18 days and then up to like 65% thereafter. I have been haveing great sucess this spring doing that in my brinsea eco 20's

 

[perolane]

Same here Steven....I find silkies do better for me with less humidity. I just had a 100% hatch in my Dickey last weekend. I had no water at all in the pan...humidity ran 30% - 40%, then on day 18, I added water & adjusted vents till I got to 60% - 65%.

I did help one out...had a very high vaulted head. I find that the high vaulted heads prevent them from rotating/positioning inside the egg. Personally, I feel this is the biggest reason people have a hard time hatching silkies.

 

[StevenW.]

Quote:
I wish I would have got a brinsea instead of the incubator I have now

 

[StevenW.]

Quote:
In my ReptiPro it stays around 50% I cant lower it for nothing! (No water at all in it) Have you hatched out any silkies in your ReptiPro?

Maybe I could have a broody before I get the eggs.... It might work out better

 

[perolane]

Yes I did hatch them in the Reptipro...again no water...humidity stayed low. Don't understand why your humidity is staying so high, I'm pretty sure it's alot more humid here than where you are.

Do you have it in a "dry" area of the house?

Perhaps after your hatch is done, leave the door open & unit on for a couple of days. Maybe you have some moisture built up in the walls where you can't see it & it needs a good drying out...grabbing at straws here.

 

[StevenW.]

Quote:
So no water for the whole incubation process then at hatch what would it be then?
The incubator is in the basement and are basement is moist from all the water from the rain. (The sump pump has been on nonstop cause of all this stinkin rain)

That might work I might have to try that! Thanks!

Oh and just wondering how was your hatch rate in the ReptiPro?

 

[jenlynn4]

I LOVE my brinsea's they are such a blessing after fighting with thoes LG's!

 

[perolane]

Quote:
So no water for the whole incubation process then at hatch what would it be then?
The incubator is in the basement and are basement is moist from all the water from the rain. (The sump pump has been on nonstop cause of all this stinkin rain)

That might work I might have to try that! Thanks!

Oh and just wondering how was your hatch rate in the ReptiPro?

Steven...having it in the basement may be your problem. The fan is drawing in moist air which is probably why your humidity stays high. I would move it to a bedroom & also try the "dry out".

For the first 18 days, I shoot for about 30% to 40% humidity...for this area, in winter, that was achieved with a little medicine measurer...the little plastic cup you get with Nyquil for example. Most of the time, I didn't need water at all....especially in summer when our outside humidity can be 100%. On day 18, I put in a little sandwich sized tupperware & up the humidity to around 60% - 65%. You'll have to experiment with what works for you. Also, I can't stress enough that your hygrometer be calibrated!!! I always got good hatches in my Reptipro...you just have to figure out what works for you in your area.

 

[SilkieChickenLover336]

i have silkies in the bator and they are due today!!!!!! well they were due yesterday but none hatched but i can hear one peeping!