Crappy hatch rate first time....why?

[Erin80]

I started with 10, two were clears and one was an early quitter. Another died around day 10 id say. It took me until about day 14 to put a proper thermometer in and at that point I realized my incubator temps had been low the whole time (incubator digital thermometer was off). Day 18, remaining eggs looked great. Today is day 23. One hatched yesterday (needed assistance finishing zipping but is doing great), second pipped last night and has a large hole this morning. No action from any of the other 4 eggs. Once this guys hatches, I plan to candle if there are no external pips. What would cause them to die between day 18 and now? Temperature has been steady, humidity is running between 65-80% (fluctuates because of hatching going on). I’m trying to figure out why they’d die.....

 

[rascal66]

I think because the temps were a bit low to begin with could have easily tampered with your hatch rate? Unfortunately with incubating, it is a lot of trial and error. Do some eggtopsies on the remaining eggs that don't hatch, and that can also help shed some light as to why they died or didn't hatch. There are plenty of resources to help troubleshoot that sort of thing. I'm sorry this had happened my first time incubating, I had no hatches! But now after some research, a new 'bator, some patience and persistence, hatches are better than ever. Don't give up!

I guess I should note: in my experience, I've had chicks fully develop and not hatch. It really is sad
I like this website to sort of help troubleshoot.
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/eggs/res24-00.html

 

[Erin80]

I think because the temps were a bit low to begin with could have easily tampered with your hatch rate? Unfortunately with incubating, it is a lot of trial and error. Do some eggtopsies on the remaining eggs that don't hatch, and that can also help shed some light as to why they died or didn't hatch. There are plenty of resources to help troubleshoot that sort of thing. I'm sorry this had happened my first time incubating, I had no hatches! But now after some research, a new 'bator, some patience and persistence, hatches are better than ever. Don't give up!

Thanks!!
I just I need to invest in a good incubator. I’m using a cheap one and it tends to run cool. I will try one more time with it with a calibrated thermometer in there (have some silkie and polish eggs I’m picking up this week), and if no luck....I guess I will invest in a Brinsea.

 

[rascal66]

Thanks!!
I just I need to invest in a good incubator. I’m using a cheap one and it tends to run cool. I will try one more time with it with a calibrated thermometer in there (have some silkie and polish eggs I’m picking up this week), and if no luck....I guess I will invest in a Brinsea.

I just edited my initial response and added a link to help troubleshoot.
Since my husband and I both want to do everything with chickens, we invested in a Brinsea Cabinet Incubator, and it has been the best thing yet. I have only good things to say about it right now! My hatches have been well over 80% successful. I used to use a cheap yellow top incubator- where the gauges/meters were off a tad. Often the humidity was a lot higher than what it told me. Always only had 1/3 of the eggs hatch.
Anyways, have you tried maybe adding a little extra insulation for the incubator? My yellow top bator had a hard time holding a stable temp unless I had a towel under it and a bit surrounding it (since it gets cold here). But its up to you, I'd probably want to experiment before I would toss it, but Brinsea is definitely a good brand to consider if you do go that route.

Polish are really pretty! Whatever you decide to do, good luck