Early hatches

[dancingbear]

My last batch, which was due to hatch yesterday, 7/27. started hatching early, on the 24th. I looked in to check the temp, and there was a chick that hatched in the turner. I had 11 eggs in there, took out the turner, put the chick and all the remaining eggs back in, all but 1 hatched, and I haven't quite given up on the last one. I candled yesterday and could see movement.

This is my very first early hatch. All my others have been right on time, or a little late. This was a surprise. Except the one slow-poke egg, that may or may not hatch, all the others had finished by afternoon of 7/26. All healthy, all active.

A few others have mentioned early hatches lately, with no change in the hatching routine. I didn't increase my temp at all. So I have no idea why they hatched so early. They're mixed breed chicks, maybe hybrid vigor?

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

humidity too low can also cause early hatch, apparently "small eggs" are known for it too.

 

[NancyP]

Wonder if it being so warm out is giving them a head start.

Nancy

 

[dancingbear]

Thanks for the response!
I dry incubate, and usually the hum stays right at 45%. We had some unusual weather, with a drop in humidity that we almost never get in the summer, and I had to add water to get back up to 45% from about 25%. I don't know how long it was low, not more than a day, I don't think. I wonder if that was enough.

Would a low hum cause any health problems? They all appear healthy and active.

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

shouldn't cause any probs afaik

 

[dancingbear]

Quote:
I missed yours, we posted at the same time. It was awfully hot for awhile, it's possible they did get a head start. Most of the eggs has been removed from under broodies, too. I collected eggs twice a day, but it's possible some could have been missed in the evening round-up and collected the next day. The first chick hatched almost 2 days before the others started.