First time hatch and I'm FREAKING OUT!!!

[klaranna belle]

Hi all,

The internet makes it seem like if you look at your incubator wrong, all your chicks will die, so I've been pretty stressed through this whole process, but we're finally to hatch day and have our first pip!

My current "freak out" is over the plastic sheet which the thermometer is attached to, in my Little Giant Incubator. The instructions were to lay it on top of the eggs, but it looks like our first pip is directly under it. So, I'm wondering if it could block air flow to the chick. I've seen some movement at the pip, indicating it's still alive and kicking! I just want to make sure the chick is getting adequate airflow. Should I move the thermometer????

In conjunction with that....my humidity is right around 60% with both vent plugs in. Should I remove one? There are, other, small air hole across the top of the incubator.

THANKS for any help you can give! : )

--Greta

 

[chickensamazing]

It's the thermometer completely covering the air flow, like not a single bit of air can get in, or does it have any holes?

 

[chiques chicks]

Preface: I do a lot of things "wrong". I still manage to hatch a lot of chicks.

I don't trust the meters unless you calibrated it in advance.

You should remove the plugs, you need ventilation. If there is a way for you to add more water to the bottom without opening the incubator, try to do so, a straw through the hole and a syringe works for me. Try not to let the humidity drop, so it isn't a good idea to open it now.


I wouldn't worry about the thermometer at this point, the chicks move around a it and the pop should get larger soon, I doubt it will seal the hole. If you want to move the thermometer, try a straw through the vent hole to knock it aside.

The hardest part of hatching is not doing anything. Sit on your hands, don't be tempted to remove hatched chicks right away. I now they are cute, but allow them to dry. They will stumble around, that's normal. They will play football with the other eggs. That's normal. 24 hours in the incubator won't hurt them. Watch, enjoy, and good luck with your hatch!

 

[klaranna belle]

Thank you for the advice! I'm feeling much calmer now. It seems like it's not fully covering the pip, but I did pull the vents for more air.

Thanks again!