chicks not hatching when almost fully developed

[newchickinflock]

I have been trying to hatch chicks and I have had the worst luck. They seem to stop developing right before they absorb the yoke. I am using a styrofoam incubator so this time i tried the trick of using a dish of water with a sponge to up my humidity but still no luck. Any ideas of what could be going wrong???

 

[Avonshire]

More info is needed. Are you using a hygrometer? Here are some great tips ... https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/incubation-cheat-sheet
I have only done one hatch and it went horribly but I did get one somewhat deformed chick(curled toes). So I am not an expert except I have learned a lot in doing it wrong! lol!!

 

[hatchingisfun]

I too have had this same problem, but no answers

 

[croach510]

I too had this problem my first 2 hatchess. Through trial and error I figured out that my humdity was to high the first 18days. I started using the dry incubating method and my hatches have inproved. I only add 1/3 cup warm water if the humidity drops below 20%, it normal stays between 25-30% the first 18 days. I jack it up to 60-70% during lockdown. Have had a much better success rate since i started using this method. I also believe that I handeled the eggs way more that I should have, I now candle at days 6, 14 and on day 18. I do not mess with them at any other time. I hope this helps and good luck on your future hatchs.

 

[Avonshire]

Croach510--when you candle do you use gloves to handle the eggs? I might have had my humidity too high too at the beginning. I totally did not know what I was doing. That link I shared is to dry incubating so maybe it can help you.

 

[cashdl]

Gloves are not necessary nor is less candeling. The temp and humidity and a healthy flock from which the eggs come seem to be the three main factors besides the whole shipped eggs issue.

I candle my eggs once a week but used to do it lots more so I could watch the change in development each day. My hatch rates were the same. I don't wear gloves and never wash my hands before candeling.


Lanae

 

[newchickinflock]

I havent used a hydrometer. I just keep the bottom area for water full. I think Ill get one so I can keep a better eye on it. Thanks

 

[HEChicken]

How much ventilation are you providing for hatch? Are you pulling out all the plugs? The chicks need a LOT of air flow because hatching is hard work.

 

[Peter1975]

There's your problem

 

[Peter1975]

Its essential to know your humidity.