First hatch due on June 27th

[Critter Crazed]

Hi everyone I'm a complete 'newbie.'

This is my first batch of eggs and possibly, hopefully first batch of chicks! I could really use some tips or advice from you expert hatchers. I'm so worried I'm doing something wrong!

I received 14 Silkie Cochin chicken eggs on June 6th and I put them in the bator at about 3 PM. So the 21 day will be this Saturday! Which just happens to also be my birthday too! I didn't even plan that, it's amazing.

Anyways, one was cracked so I took it out and threw it away. Then I waited impatiently! On day 14 I candled them and 10 of them looked just about perfect. I hope. One was infertile so I tossed it. One was upside down which I know isn't good because the air cell should be on top so I quickly turned it upside down and put it back. I put that egg in upside down up because it looks like it has two large ends. Will this egg survive? Has this happened to anyone else?

The other egg that I candled looked a little odd. But I don't know if it was dead. I left it in... But it looks really weird. And I do NOT want it to explode! But I don't wanna kill a baby.. What should I do? Should I toss it? I re-candled it on day 15 and it looked the same.

Also I have a really cheap humidity reader thing. It says my humidity is at 45%-40% I keep the water pan filled and everything but I'm wondering if I should add a sponge or something? I will on day 18 because I know you have to increase the humidity but should I add one now on day 16 too?
And my room where the incubator is, is right by our air conditioner so I get a lot of temperature changes but I try to keep them under control.. I'm wondering if that could be affecting the eggs.

Also, is it common for chicks to hatch early or late? Or do they usually hatch on day 21? I haven't set up the brooder yet. I should probably do that soon lol. It's day 16.

Okay my last big question: What kind of bedding should I get for the chicks when they hatch? What kind of food? I need to go shopping soon for this stuff. I've heard that wood shavings work. Is this true?

I'm a nervous wreck waiting for these chicks! Haha can you tell?!
I'd be extremely greatful to anyone that answers any of these questions for me!

 

[R@ndy]

Quote:
1st

if the eggs are fresh I wouldn't worry about it exploding


Humidity? at day 18 I would add a couple sponges in the bottom and soak with water and put them by the vent holes so you can use a straw to add warm water and not have to open the incubator, that should do the trick

and I wouldn't open it anymore at that point. They will start to get in position to hatch


I use pine shavings and never had any problems. You will need chick starter feed and a waterer-don't forget to put a few rocks and or marbles around the part that holds the water so the chicks can't get in it and drown or get to wet

Good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed also soon to be Happy Birthday!!!!!!

 

[Critter Crazed]

R@ndy :

Quote:
1st

if the eggs are fresh I wouldn't worry about it exploding


Humidity? at day 18 I would add a couple sponges in the bottom and soak with water and put them by the vent holes so you can use a straw to add warm water and not have to open the incubator, that should do the trick

and I wouldn't open it anymore at that point. They will start to get in position to hatch


I use pine shavings and never had any problems. You will need chick starter feed and a waterer-don't forget to put a few rocks and or marbles around the part that holds the water so the chicks can't get in it and drown or get to wet

Good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed also soon to be Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Thank you so much!!!!!!! I will do that.

I was thinking pine shavings. And don't worry I have a chick waterer and feeder so they won't drown.

Thank you very much for the good luck and happy birthday!!!!