DIS chicks and open abdomens

[careeka22]

Hi, just had my 4th hatch and I'm just curious what happens that makes so many dead in shell chicks? I even had one externally pip then die. 21 into lockdown, 15 hatched, one pipped and died in shell, and 5 were fully formed perfect chicks that died. Also several had open abdomens. They weren't early and I only assisted with one that got shrink wrapped. These are from my own flock that are very healthy and avian flu negative. Is this just how it goes?

Two chicks intestines were out. I gently put them back and used a new piece of sponge and some tape and wrapped it like a diaper. One is doing surprisingly ok for now. Walking and grooming herself and the hole has clothed. The other doesn't look like it will make it. 4 are still in the incubator waiting for the last bit to absorb. Pic of my "fighter", she's so tiny!

 

[CountryFlock]

I’m guessing you’re using one of those styrofoam incubators? Is it still air or circulated air?

Many problems occur in chicks due to bad incubation. Still air incubators have hot and cold spots that cripple development.

I wouldn’t be surprised to get chicks with splayed legs, partial yolk absorption, shrink wrapped, drowned chicks, the list goes on. <—— if using a still air or even circulated air styrofoam incubator.

(Circulated is much better than still air never the less)

What you want for better hatches is probably a computerized incubator. What humidity and temp are you incubating? What kind of incubator?

 

[careeka22]

I’m guessing you’re using one of those styrofoam incubators? Is it still air or circulated air?

Many problems occur in chicks due to bad incubation. Still air incubators have hot and cold spots that cripple development.

I wouldn’t be surprised to get chicks with splayed legs, partial yolk absorption, shrink wrapped, drowned chicks, the list goes on. <—— if using a still air or even circulated air styrofoam incubator.

(Circulated is much better than still air never the less)

What you want for better hatches is probably a computerized incubator. What humidity and temp are you incubating? What kind of incubator?

I guess that makes a lot of sense. I was just confused because my first two hatches were nearly perfect. I built it out if a cooler, it's still air right now but I have a fan I think I'll install for next time to see what the difference is. I keep the temp around 102, humidity is 40/50% days 1-18 and 65+ at lockdown. It goes up when the chicks start to hatch. My husband really didn't want me to invest in anything so I put together what I had. This is my last one unless I hatch for a friend until next year.