Drowning, hatching, humidity and incubation questions

[UThobbyfarmer]

Thanks for the tips. I already took it out... I have a small mist humidifier in there that's keeping it above 60% and I'm thinking of putting in a sponge. I'm able to access them without opening the 'incubator'.

I set them on April 1st so today is day 18. I candled and they have nice sized air cells, most haven't drawn down but I positioned the eggs so that the larger part is on the top. Most of the air cells are pretty even all around the egg...maybe late developers? There seems to be quite a lot of room for growth in the eggs. Is that normal?

Sorry for the thread drift. Just looking for some reassurance! This is my first time hatching. Temperatures have been consistent, though it varies a couple of degrees from one side to the other.

I'm just going to keep doing what I've been doing and hope for the best.

I've had around 25%-30% humidity up until this point. Hoping that the 60-65 during lockdown is enough. But if not I'll throw the sponge in.

I did a post on this in another thread but can't find it. Basically I said sometimes it's perfectly normal to have extra space at the bottom of the egg at lockdown. Other times it indicates an embryo that hasn't developed properly even though you're seeing growth and movement. I've had it both ways.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Air cells drawing down at lockdown has nothing to do with humidity. It's a sign the chick has moved into hatch position. It's something you'd expect to see right before internal piping (1-2 days before hatch).

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

65+ humidity is a good starting point for hatch. But there's a range so just do the best you can.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Thank you for all of that useful information. I was worried they were late because the air cells weren't drawn down, I wasn't sure how long before the hatch that was supposed to happen. I have at least one egg which has drawn down significantly so I think I will up my humidity today and call it a day! I am not 'planning' to assist at all and I really hope for the best. I do not plan on opening that door again until Wednesday.

Any more tips for a first timer are welcome, I've read everything out there but there's always something new to learn! Thanks again.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Thank you for all of that useful information. I was worried they were late because the air cells weren't drawn down, I wasn't sure how long before the hatch that was supposed to happen. I have at least one egg which has drawn down significantly so I think I will up my humidity today and call it a day! I am not 'planning' to assist at all and I really hope for the best. I do not plan on opening that door again until Wednesday.

Any more tips for a first timer are welcome, I've read everything out there but there's always something new to learn! Thanks again.

That's great news! I think you're all set.

Just a little reminder it's perfectly normal to go 24 hours from external pip to zip. This can seem like forever. Especially if you happened to catch the pip right after it happened. 21 days is not a lot of time for an egg to go from omelet to chick. Every minute in the egg counts.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Thanks! I'm sure I'll have more questions!