Bielefelder Hatch and I'm a NEWB

[RollTideChicken]

I have what I believe are 6 eggs that should hatch in 6.5 days. This is my first ever attempt at hatching anything. I have read many threads on this most wonderful site and thought I would give it a shot...but now that the hatch day looms close I gotta admit I'm nervous.

What are some things I need watch for that might be specific to this breed? I read that the membrane can be thick so some help may be needed after pip. But that was about all I could find specific to this breed. If anyone with experience with this breed or just hatching in general could holler at me, it would be awesome!
Thank you all so much!

 

[Rickba]

Congrat's Daddy, Is the hen hatching the eggs or are you incubating them. If the hen is hatching them, she will take care of them. If you are incubating them you may need to help them out of the shell if they get stuck. Don't rush it. Remember that the incubator is the correct temp you just have to watch the humidity. The remainder of the yolk will supply them with enough nourishment and fluids for 2 days while they try to break free of the shell. After that they're just like any other new chicks. Enjoy yourself. God Bless, Rick

 

[RollTideChicken]

Preciate the response.
Quick update:
Had a bad hatch. Out of 7 possible eggs only 2 developed fully and of those 2 only one hatch successfully. I had a lonely pullet so luckily TSC had some chicks out and I bought her 6 friends. They'll need new homes later but for now they'll serve their purpose.
She is very healthy and fun. Her brother that didn't make it...I still wonder if I should have stepped in. I figured something wasn't right when he was zipping the egg down the length rather than around the fat end. It had only been 6 hours after he started to when I found him still. Everything I read said not to help that early, but I guess I'll never know...

 

[JedJackson]

Preciate the response.
Quick update:
Had a bad hatch. Out of 7 possible eggs only 2 developed fully and of those 2 only one hatch successfully. I had a lonely pullet so luckily TSC had some chicks out and I bought her 6 friends. They'll need new homes later but for now they'll serve their purpose.
She is very healthy and fun. Her brother that didn't make it...I still wonder if I should have stepped in. I figured something wasn't right when he was zipping the egg down the length rather than around the fat end. It had only been 6 hours after he started to when I found him still. Everything I read said not to help that early, but I guess I'll never know...

Congrats. Hatching even 1 chick your first try is an accomplishment. She'll be really happy to have the new friends, too. If you try again make sure you crank the humidity up a bit for the last three days, and stop turning the eggs then too. If your incubator doesn't already have a humidity reader, get a hygrometer which will measure it for you.

 

[Rickba]

I like that home incubated chicks imprint on you and are friends for life. By the time you get hatchery and store bought chicks they don't imprint as easily and seem to be a little more skittish as adults.

 

[RollTideChicken]

@Rickba You know that very thought came to me yesterday. I've always bought week olds or older and none of them ever acted like family, had more of a neighbor attitude towards me. But this pullet was extraordinarily friendly to me. Instantly comes to me and even sleeps in my cupped hand. I've never really cared for overly friendly birds having always just considered them livestock but this little girl has surprised me.

 

[RollTideChicken]

@JedJackson Thanks man but I still wish I'd helped the second chick...
I was using a Farm Innovators 4250, borrowed it from a friend. I just bought myself one and plan on making a few mods to it. Incidentally, why is there a 4 day lock down? I understand to do it but why? Also, why is high humidity at the end important? Up to that point you are supposed to let the weight and air pocket size determine humidity levels. Just curious...
Thanks!

 

[Rickba]

I've never changed anything. I've always kept the temp and humidity the same for the entire incubation period and never had an issue. I think some say the higher humidity keeps the shell from sticking to the chick, but that's just what I've heard and a guess. Perhaps someone else could jump in here.

 

[JedJackson]

@JedJackson Thanks man but I still wish I'd helped the second chick...
I was using a Farm Innovators 4250, borrowed it from a friend. I just bought myself one and plan on making a few mods to it. Incidentally, why is there a 4 day lock down? I understand to do it but why? Also, why is high humidity at the end important? Up to that point you are supposed to let the weight and air pocket size determine humidity levels. Just curious...
Thanks!

It's to keep the chicks from sticking to the shells and it's the last 3 days, not 4. Humidity should be 55-60% normally and 65-70% during the last 3 days. The lock down is to keep the humidity in and also because chicks are turning into position to pip on those days and turning the eggs disorients them at that stage. I've read all this in books and it has helped with my hatches, although nothing beats a broody hen.

 

[JedJackson]

I've never changed anything. I've always kept the temp and humidity the same for the entire incubation period and never had an issue. I think some say the higher humidity keeps the shell from sticking to the chick, but that's just what I've heard and a guess. Perhaps someone else could jump in here.

If it's working well for you keep doing what you're doing. I can only say what has worked best for me. But yes, the higher humidity is to keep the shells from sticking to the chicks.