August Hatch-A-Long!

[epmchickens]

I use 45-55% during incubation then bump that to at least 65%, usually 70% as my goal. Even during slow pip to zip stage I have not had any issues with my chicks drying out inside. To get it up that high I add wet sponges and a rag on the floor draped down into the water wells. I add water to the sponges and floor thru the vent hole (which should be left open in lockdown because chicks need fresh air), as needed to maintain the higher humidity.

What is the max? Like, if I hit 80% that'd be ok or too much? Not counting the spike as chicks hatch. I think I got it up to 62%

 

[Heidisgran]

Quote: lol....as I said I dry incubate! and there were only 2 like that!

 

[Heidisgran]

Quote: it wasn't the membrane...it was gooey fluid like syrup....the membrane actually looked and felt normal...it was bizarre

 

[Heidisgran]

Incubator is peeping!!!!!

Looks like at least 3 have pipped internally, 3 more are trying (well, movement at the edge of the aircell) and 2 haven't made it that far yet (but the veins are good and the young are moving). Not sure how much sleep I'm gonna get tonight waiting for the external pips and zips!

how is it going this morning?

 

[Heidisgran]

My Broody's are setting on 13 eggs (that are due next fri) and temporarily on 6 others (that I'll take out from under them on Tuesday). Anyway, with their day 18 fastly approaching (Tuesday) should I allow them to raise their 13 chicks or take them away. Any if I do let them raise them do I isolate them and their babies away from the rest of the flock? I mean, how would they do it in the wild? I have a pretty laid back flock but I don't know. Hubby says to do it as nature would (I think he's trying to get out of making another coop). Thoughts friends?

Quote: I love it when the mama's raise the babies...they teach them everything they need to know....I don't intervene I let them handle everything....we built a "nursery" that's low to the ground separate from the main coop so when the babies hatch they don't fall, mama takes them out during the day and takes them back to that nursery at night.....when she's finished raising them she stops going to the nursery and rejoins the flock all on her own....the little ones return to the nursery so we eventually close it so they have no choice but to go in the main coop but that depends on whether the nursery is needed by another hen at the time, if not we let them use it awhile longer because they seem bewildered that mom left them and I feel sorry for them! lol

 

[Heidisgran]

Put into lockdown today- 2 Buff Orpingtons, 3 Red Star X Salmon Favorolle, 8 Black Australorp, 9 Silkies, 14 frizzle cochins. Started 10 Silkies.

 

[AParmer]

Have you tried a life-like scarecrow? I saw one made of a mop, that wore a brightly colored outfit, floppy hat and all. I have noticed that the hawk and buzzards do not fly over while I am out there working in the run or garden, so I've been thinking about putting an old mannequin I have out there dressed in something really bright and loud. I wonder if that would help you?

That's a really good idea! I think I will try to motivate DH to help me put one together today. My mother also mentioned plastic or glass owls. Big ones set up on the edge of my roof and on the fence posts.

 

[nohbudi]

I pulled a Wheaten from her shell today. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, and is getting around in the brooder. Not a great first hatch, but I think she will survive.

 

[nicole63021]

how is it going this morning?

3 little chickies out, 4 more have pipped internally!

 

[bestponymilo]

Total of 5 peeps. 2 Buff Orpingtons and 3 which I believe are all Barred Rock/EE crosses. None of the "goat molested" eggs made it, as I figured. Might contact the seller and set a dozen in the incubator....