December Hatch-A-Long 2014

[Renee572]

It is great that we have so many knowledgeable people on here. Everyone has been so helpful to me. I'm not going to let my failed attempt discourage me. I had a lot of fun doing it and I know I will get better at it each time, especially with people like all of you!

 

[Daisyfern]

The humidity dropping is my biggest concern too. I have it holding steady at 69% right now. Thanks for the idea about using a humidifier. If the humidity starts to drop I will crank it up.

I had a good hatch, only 3 or 4 that did not develop completely.  It seems like everyone had problems with humidity at lock down from what I'm reading...I am not an expert by any means and there are a thousand opinions on these forums, but I think humidity at lock down is quite important.  The best thing I ever did was buy a warm air humidifier from the drugstore.  This was my first winter hatch and the weather in No. Central Florida certainly kept me on my toes, but after a few nights I figured out how to adjust each day.  I know the experts say to set the temp and then leave it, but I'm thinking that winter hatches require a little tweeking on a daily basis.  I had to turn my incubator temp up at night and lower it in the morning.  The humidity was fine throughout and I only had to turn it on low a few times to keep the humidity between 35% and 45%.  Once I hit lock down I cranked the humidifier and it was between 65% and 75% until finish.  The temp did not waver as much but still required one adjustment after a particularly cold night.  I don't know if that will help the Florida folks who are relatively new to hatching or winter hatching, but that is what worked very well for me.  I love this forum and all the info from other people, but also remind myself that some things I have to follow my gut on (such as tweeking the temp each day)  
I think that since I only hatch for myself, sometimes for friends, I will keep to hatching in the spring or hopefully to a broody this coming spring!

 

[Iko127]

Well I had to help my 2 that pipped. I couldn't stand it. It was a good thing though since I believe they wouldn't have made it. I think my thermostat in the incubator I hatch in is going and I believe the temp was low, just didn't feel warm enough, which is why my humidity wouldn't stay up for hatch. I had several chicks wrong positioned and to much humidity for incubating and then not enough humidity and warmth for hatching. One chick I didn't catch soon enough and was at the wrong end and got to must fluid. It was trying to breathe but just didn't make it So I have 3 chicks out of the 11. I do know some had died before lock down and just couldn't see in the egg. Anyways I have some more eggs that have to go on lock down in a couple days and will try using another incubator and see how it goes Will get pictures soon when they fluff Also all my eggs were local but most came from an auction and you never know how the eggs were handled.

 

[Daisyfern]

I agree! I have so learned so much already!

It is great that we have so many knowledgeable people on here. Everyone has been so helpful to me. I'm not going to let my failed attempt discourage me. I had a lot of fun doing it and I know I will get better at it each time, especially with people like all of you!

 

[KDob521]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm here in central Florida (Hillsborough county) and almost everyday I've had to tweak the temperature up or down. It's gotten to 37 at night and 70 during the day. And me living in a trailer with insufficient sealing of the place, it gets drafty at night.

 

[TheChickenQueen]

I have good news on my eggs!

All 42 are alive! I had marked the two unsure and I candled them today hoping to see something. It was hard to see but I saw both of them move

But now my parents are afraid of them all hatching. And my mom believes that because they are doing better then expected that they will all be roos

Best of luck to everyone else! Hoping you all get good hatches!

 

[Purpletie3]

It is great that we have so many knowledgeable people on here. Everyone has been so helpful to me. I'm not going to let my failed attempt discourage me. I had a lot of fun doing it and I know I will get better at it each time, especially with people like all of you!

Sorry Renee. I think you should give it another shot. It's a matter of finding what works for your area and incubator... Unfortunately, trial, error, prayers and luck! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

 

[Renee572]

I have good news on my eggs!

All 42 are alive! I had marked the two unsure and I candled them today hoping to see something. It was hard to see but I saw both of them move 

But now my parents are afraid of them all hatching. And my mom believes that because they are doing better then expected that they will all be roos

Best of luck to everyone else! Hoping you all get good hatches!   

yay, chances are with 42 eggs you have at least a few pullets! good luck with the rest of your incubation.

 

[Renee572]

Sorry Renee. I think you should give it another shot. It's a matter of finding what works for your area and incubator... Unfortunately, trial, error, prayers and luck! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

thanks, I'm not one to give up because things didn't go right! happy holidays to you too.

 

[TheChickenQueen]

yay, chances are with 42 eggs you have at least a few pullets!

good luck with the rest of your incubation.

Yeah, only a few. like ya know 15-ish.

Thank you! I'm sorry about your hatch though