Coming out of denial - low hatch rates

[SundownWaterfowl]

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I cut the carton sides down so if they do pip on the bottom I can see and reach in quickly and flip the egg over. I also poke holes in the bottoms for more air flow. They go in the carton large end up.

 

[Pookie_Momma]

I know the feeling of a low hatch rate.........

I have had not much luck. I laid 2 dozen the first time and had 3 hatch, my second lay I did 27 silkie's and atm no hatch, yesterday was day 21 and I threw out all but 3 that I am still hoping for a hatch. ( fingers are crossed but doubtful) so I am on 3rd try with 13 and late this week will get 3 dozen. so I am not on top of the world of excitement right now.

But at least I am not giving up I am having to much happiness

in the incubation of my babies. so I will be

right here learning and trying till I get it right!

Pookie

 

[saladin]

Though shipped eggs are a crap-shoot, home eggs are a different story.

Fresh home eggs: you ought to be getting 85% hatch rate or better on fertile eggs.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

Thank you all. I've moved the incubator to the basement in hopes that the ambient humidity & temp are more stable. Saving eggs from our own flock to work with. Going to add very little water and will keep a 2nd glass thermometer (on the egg tray). Going to put the eggs in a carton at lockdown. Hoping for good success! Oh, also going to weigh the eggs as we go along.

 

[MomMommyMamma]

UPDATE: I've had a 100% hatch rate with ducks and chickens since my initial posting. What I changed:
*Moved the incubator to the basement where the temp has less fluctuation.
*Greatly decreased the amount of water. Using almost no water, only about 1 t. is in there and I only refill that when it is completely dry.
*Bumped the temp so that the factory installed thermometer is reading just over 100 degrees. This gives me the correct temp at egg level.
So thank you all for your help & advice! I did weight the chicken eggs and it was interesting & educational.

 

[rarely bored]

So glad!!

live chicks sure make hatching fun!

 

[alicefelldown]

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That is FANTASTIC! Congratulations!!