Bobwhite

[Quailudes]

I have incubated 2 batches of bobwhite eggs in the last 2 months and have several chicks hatch. How long can I keep the chicks in the incubator until it's time to take them out. The reason I ask is because I took them out after 30 hours and closed incubator back for a couple of days due to several eggs not hatching. When I went to discard the eggs I heard an egg still chirping and placed them back in for a day. Unfortunately, the remaining chicks died. What did I do wrong. Also should I raise the temp. on the little giant still air incubator. set it at 102. Thanks

 

[CascadiaRiver]

I dont know about your issue, but mind me what is a Bobwhite? I am a learning 4h member and have never heard of one...

 

[Quailudes]

Bobwhite is a species of quail.

 

[kingmt]

I will wait a day or two after the last one has hatched. I'd also suggest using a "?" after a question so we actually know if it is a question.

 

[Quailudes]

Thanks. So the chick will survive in the incubator for 48 hours?

 

[dc3085]

Its best to remove them after 24 hours. They can survive 48 but its not ideal. Incubate eggs at 101 in a still air. If you really want to improve your hatch then add a pc fan to your bator

 

[Quailudes]

Thank. I will do that.

 

[James the Bald]

What did I do wrong

From what you stated, there are 2 possibilities:

1. It is very probable that you "shrink wrapped" your unhatched chicks. When the incubator is opened, humidity escapes and it takes a while to re-establish the correct humidity levels, and the membrane inside the shell lost it's ability to breathe. I only open my incubator after 30 hours, and any eggs that don't hatch, get tossed. Period. Any chicks that haven't hatched after that are usually weak and don't survive.
2. Natural selection allowed the stronger chick(s) to survive and let the weaker ones die. Sometimes, no matter what you do, chicks are going to die.
James