Confused Teachers

[Teacher906]

What was the humidity throughout incubation for each group? Did each group have a calibrated hygrometer?

All 3 of us had humidity between 40 to low 60's. I do not know if Mr. N's was accurate, but I assume because it was brand new that he was good. Mr. F and I switched our hygrometers and thermometer and both were accurate.

 

[Anime2lover]

What about the incubators location. That can play a key part in what happens inside. It should be kept away from drafty windows and doors, or any place where the twmp in the room fluctuates.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

No expert here, but... were the eggs washed prior to setting? Did everyone handling the eggs wash hands first? Any chance of a loss of power due to storms? Any possibility an eager student opened the incubators to look at or handle the eggs resulting in loss of heat or humidity? Just trying to imagine all possible scenarios. So disappointing for all.

 

[LynnaePB]

All 3 of us had humidity between 40 to low 60's. I do not know if Mr. N's was accurate, but I assume because it was brand new that he was good. Mr. F and I switched our hygrometers and thermometer and both were accurate.

Hmm if you all aimed for similar humidity that doesn't seem like it would be the problem. If humidity tended to be closer to the low 60's for one group and another was closer to the 40's that could definitely affect hatchability of the eggs though. For me if I average above 45% for the first 18 days my air cells are much too small, I have much better looking air cells if I stay between 20-45% humidity for the first 18 days (of course what works in one area/incubator/home doesn't necessarily work in another).

If the other teachers are comfortable doing it, I think eggtopsies might help to figure out what the problem was (once enough time has passed and there isn't any possibility of the eggs hatching).

 

[Harmony Fowl]

What about the incubators location. That can play a key part in what happens inside. It should be kept away from drafty windows and doors, or any place where the twmp in the room fluctuates.

This was my thought, too. I just moved an incubator from one room of my house to another. The natural humidity without added water in the original location was 29%; in the new location, it's above 60%. Just different rooms in the same house. I would try swapping incubators at a later date, OP, and see if the previously unsuccessful incubators manage to hatch successfully in the same spot your incubator occupies in your classroom.

 

[Ebony Rose]

What about orientation of the eggs? They should have the fat side up for proper development.

 

[Teacher906]

What about the incubators location. That can play a key part in what happens inside. It should be kept away from drafty windows and doors, or any place where the twmp in the room fluctuates.

Hmmm... I just realized this could be a reason! Both of those other teachers had very hot rooms last week. Their incubators temps were still consistent though!

 

[Teacher906]

What about orientation of the eggs? They should have the fat side up for proper development.

The eggs were placed properly as long as we could tell! Some were hard to tell.

 

[Teacher906]

No expert here, but... were the eggs washed prior to setting? Did everyone handling the eggs wash hands first? Any chance of a loss of power due to storms? Any possibility an eager student opened the incubators to look at or handle the eggs resulting in loss of heat or humidity? Just trying to imagine all possible scenarios. So disappointing for all.

My incubator was the only one that was open on a regular basis. We made sure to have kids keep their eyes on the ones who do not follow directions so that they stayed away. They were not washed and their eggs were never handled by students, only mine were. I honestly thought I would have no chicks! I teach all 3
science classes so we were more involved when the kids were in here.

 

[Anime2lover]

My incubator was the only one that was open bon a regular basis. We made sure to have kids keep their eyes on the ones who do not follow directions so that they stayed away. They were not washed and their eggs were never handled by students, only mine were. I honestly thought I would have no chicks! I teach all 3
science classes so we were more involved when the kids were in here.

Hands should always be washed before handling. Incubator and eggs should both be given a whipe of poroxide before setting as well.