Day 15?

[DaveMorehouse]

Hey folks.

Just as a refresher for me, and possibly others, on which day do I take out the autoturner and bump up the humidity? This will be my second hatch. My first was poor - 8 out of 48 - but those were shipped eggs. This time around I am using the eggs from my quail. (Eggs from three hens saved for fifteen days.) I am hoping for better results.

Thanks, as always,
Dave

 

[JedJackson]

I'm a little confused-- are these chicken eggs or quail eggs you're hatching? If it's chickens, on day 18 you crank up the humidity a bit and stop turning. Also, it's best to use eggs stored no longer than 10 days.

 

[DaveMorehouse]

I'm a little confused-- are these chicken eggs or quail eggs you're hatching? If it's chickens, on day 18 you crank up the humidity a bit and stop turning. Also, it's best to use eggs stored no longer than 10 days.

Coturnix quail. Thanks for your reply though. Dave

 

[paneubert]

It really depends on temperature and how far along things have progressed by day 15. But I shoot for day 15 as a general rule. Even with early hatchers, day 15 is pretty safe. Some people hatch in the turners.....so even if you have an "ohh crap" moment where you see someone hatching while the turner is still in, you could try to quickly take the turner out at that point.

 

[DaveMorehouse]

Thanks, Paneubert, for your help. Just to be extra safe I think day 14, which is Thursday, I will pull the turner and bump up the humidity. In my first hatch I had one come early and was caught/crippled in the turner. They are delicate little buggers. Thanks again, Dave

PS. Should I turn them by hand one extra day then?

 

[feedman77]

I would pull the Turner on day 14 up the humidity.

I would not turn them the final day. It won't hurt them and will let the chick position for hatch

 

[DaveMorehouse]

Thanks Feedman77. I have been running at 40-45% humidity which is basically our local atmosphere here by Lake Superior right now. I will add a wet cloth on Thursday. Thanks again, Dave