day 18 - looking for some tips/encouragement

[AmyLynn2374]

I am one who does not assist - I am looking for hardy, sturdy chickens that can reproduce themselves without undue interference. But each hatcher must make that decision for themself. I have also never measured an air sac, just candled on day 10 and day 18 to remove obvious clears.

You may be interested in reading about dry incubating, my success with shipped eggs in particular has increased significantly since using it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-incubate-hatch-eggs-using-the-dry-incubation-method

I understand the "logic" behind the survival of the fittest, however in incubation I disagree with it solely on the fact that half if not more of the problems that effect the hatch of artificially incubated chicks is not the quality or strength of chick, but rather our inefficiency to provide them with optimal incubation/hatching conditions. One of my strongest best layers was an assited hatch. Not a thing wrong with her. I can understand that mentality more with say broody hens, where nature is at the helm, but I don't think a chick should perish if it's a matter of my fallibility.
Plus like I said, small time chicken raiser, ALL my potential chicks are important to me.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

If it working for you---Thats Good. I Too am one that believes Every chick is very important to me and I hatch lot----It happen several times in my past that if I open the incubator for a few seconds----not even lift the top off---My hatch percentage goes way down. I do not open for No Reason now and I hatch 95 to 100% every hatch. Guess it has alot to do with where you live---So I Always point not opening to newbies----trying to help them have a better hatch.

Ya, I know you don't, I do and I have NEVER lost a chick that has pipped or zipped. NEVER. I always stress that humidity is the important key when making that decision as well. I remove my chicks during hatch, multiple times, as well as shells and assist if needs be. People are scared to even add water to up humidity because they are afraid that opening the bator is going to cause certain death, and many of us know that is not true....as long as the precautions are there. I point out BOTH sides to almost everything I suggest because I believe a hatcher has to find THEIR comfort level and what works for them and not be scared to try something for themselves. I believe in helping by giving them different viewpoints and not suggesting that my way is the only way, no matter how much I believe in my way of doing things. I also try to explain the why's.

 

[1muttsfan]

That may be true, but I am still looking for birds who adapt best to the conditions, incubator or otherwise. And since opening the incubator can put the rest of the hatch at risk, you always have to balance the good you do for one chick against the risk to the rest of them.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I'm just glad that I have a strong mind and the ability to logically make decisions for myself.

 

[WalnutHill]

Both positions are equally valid. It's a different philosophy.

Since the birds I hatch are generally not breeding stock, they are table fare, it's in my financial best interest to maximize my gain. And I have learned that for every chick or poult that actually benefits from my interference, there are two that die because of it. I am becoming more hands off. My best hatches happen at night when I am not there to be tempted to "help".

 

[BYC910]

Thank you AmyLynn 2374 I'll go to the dollar store before I hatch next weekend on the subject of help or not. I look at this way It's your egg you make the call . I hope we get to see pictures of the classroom hatch .

 

[PD-Riverman]

I believe a hatcher has to find THEIR comfort level and what works for them and not be scared to try something for themselves.

I agree!! I think a Hatcher, Should Not be afraid to experiment, so they can find what gives them the best hatch-----I could name a long list of people that I have helped in "My Area" go from a very low hatch % to a real good hatch rate----and the biggest thing that helped was keeping the incubator "Locked down" the last 3 days. I have never lived in another place so I can only offer what works for me and the people I know in my area. I do not have to open to assist because virtually every egg hatches on its own. A Hatcher should keep doing what is needed to improve their hatch. Try it one way, then after the Hatch-----if they are hatcing about 100%-----Don't Change a thing. Good Luck to everyone with All your future hatches!