Chicks died at hatch. Ideas?

[SemperFiChicken]

Today is day 23. We went into lockdown on day 18 after we candled them. I remember seeing 2 of them move. After hitting day 23 today we candled them and noted no movement. The yolk isn't completely absorbed so is that day 18/19 deaths? Any ideas? Incubator temp stayed the same. This is our first attempt at hatching. We'll be trying again next month. Appreciate any input. These were black silkie Rooster/Welsummer Hen mix

 

[getaclue]

Here is a great article for incubation, and she also has tips for hatching Serma eggs, which are a little more touchy to do. She also has an article on assisted hatching.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hatching-eggs-101.64195/

 

[Pyxis]

That is a lot of fluid. My guess is your humidity was too high. What did you have it at for the first 18 days?

 

[SemperFiChicken]

That is a lot of fluid. My guess is your humidity was too high. What did you have it at for the first 18 days?

Probably averaged 48-51% humidity

 

[Pyxis]

That was probably too high. I keep mine at 30% or else my chicks would drown in the shell. That was probably what caused the late deaths this time around. Try running it lower for your next hatch

 

[getaclue]

I suspected high humidity too, that's why I provided a good informative link.

 

[BYC910]

I'm thinking you should calibrate both the thermometer and the hygrometer .What type of incubator are you using ?Analog or digital controller .Forced air or still air ?Because I'm thinking low temperature as well as high humidity . Before your next set . Run the incubator without water and see what humidity reads . There are simple rules to follow that greatly increase your chances for a successful hatch . Temperature is the number one rule . Temperature at the top of the largest egg is a must . This rule must be followed . NO Exceptions . Rule # 2 keep the incubator in a controlled environment .Rule #3 Control the humidity as best you can . Most first timers make the same mistake book says fill the humidity wells and they do . It's best to start dry and adjust the humidity in small increments. Sometimes teaspoon of water can raise humidity as much as 20%. In my small incubators I use a 20 CC syringe and a straw from a spray bottle and add water through a vent hole 2 or 3 CCs at a time . Incubating is not that hard If I can do it anyone can. You asked for help here a very smart move Better luck with your next attempt. Hey I just realized your from Tn. You should know that I run dry hatches until lockdown and raise the humidity when I see the first pip .

 

[SemperFiChicken]

Thanks for all the input and references. I'll be purchasing a new incubator being that the one I used I borrowed from a friend. I'll try a new brood when we get back from vacation. Thank you mich

 

[getaclue]

There is a little bit of a learning curve with any incubator, so don't beat yourself up. If you can afford it, I recommend one of the nicer Brinsea incubators, that all you have to do is add water, and it keeps both heat, and humidity where you set them. Personally, I have an Rcom Pro 20, and I love it, but I warn you, they are very expensive.

 

[lilpaws]

We are new to guinea hatching and we had three hatch, but they all died before they dried. Two others died after piping it appears and one died after zipping. I am not sure what is going on or what we can do to prevent this.