I am sure it's very sad to lose them especially when they are so close but I think PD Riverman has a great point in that he only helps chicks after day 22 or after all other chicks have hatched whichever comes first. It would be great to help those that need help but if you are risking all the others to help just 1 then it may not be worth it. But you have to make the call yourself whether or not helping at a certain time would be the best option.
Like Renee said, I wait 24 hours after a pip to go in and help. There are some signs that make the case more urgent, such as pipping on the wrong end of the egg. On my last hatch I had a disproportionate number of chicks that pipped in the middle of the egg or the narrow end. Some of them got out OK, but about 4 of them I helped by opening a small hole in the shell so they could at least breath until the got out. Two needed extra help on top of that as they were malpositioned and could not get out of the shell. It is important to note that intervening too soon should be avoided since the chick needs to absorb the yolk before leaving the egg.
One thing that annoys me about my incubator is that the chicks that hatch early run around and knock into the eggs that have not hatched. This sends the eggs rolling around and and I don't think it does any favors to the chicks that are trying to hatch. I removed hatched chicks every 6 hours or so. When I did it, I sprayed the sides of the incubator with warm water from a squirt bottle. I never had problems with the humidity going too low.
All 20 of the eggs that made it to lockdown hatched by day 22.
is that the incubator that won't hold a high humidity? Maybe they will just be late, fingers crossed for you. Keep us posted.Today is hatch day for incubator one. Still no pips or wiggling eggs or anything
yes it is. A friend who hatches a lot recommended I candle a couple to check for internal pips. I candled 3. no internal pips or movement. By the way since I know some will fuss about me opening the incubator lol my temp and humidity do not drop when I open it cause the room is so warm and humid
bummer. Well fingers crossed still. I hope you get some. When is you next hatch date?
good luck keeping your hands off of it. Unfortunately I have to hand turn mine so I have to open it 3 times a day which means I have to add hot water but luckily my temp goes right back up to 100 in about 30 mins and my humidity gets up to like 53 then starts dropping back down into the 40's shortly after. But it's so tempting to put a flashlight up to the eggs every time I have my hands on them. I've been good about waiting this week though, will candle tomorrow evening on day 14#
