First time hatcher - mixed results

[jasonbennett1]

Using LG still air without egg turner. Turned eggs as often as possible; never less than twice a day. Started with 14 OEG eggs.
Results:
2 unhatched
7 hatched normal looking/doing well
5 hatched but abnormal

The 5 hatched out, but didn’t do well. They had corkscrew looking necks, enlarged abdomens, and couldn’t right themselves. They just kept flopping on their backs and twitching. I was told to just put them down as they won’t be able to eat or drink and will die slowly. I think a hen would have just left them behind had they been hatched naturally.

Was this caused by something I did, or didn’t do?

 

[jasonbennett1]

no one's going to take a swing at this?

 

[gaeamama]

Did you take any pictures of the abnormal ones? What do you mean by corkscrew looking necks?

I don't have any answers for you, but sometimes pics help.

 

[MagsC]

I know exactly what you ar talking about because I had it happen to a few I incubated in a still air incubator. However, I dont know WHY it happened and would like to have information on that as well!

 

[jasonbennett1]

Quote:
Did you have an egg turner? My brother raises chickens and he says it's from not turning them enough.

 

[MagsC]

No, I dont have a turner, I have just turned them manually, three times a day and quickly because I didnt want to open the incubator excessively. My most successful hatches were using the dry incubation method and then upping the humidity for the last three days.
Your brother is probably right about the whole turner thing. I guess I will have to invest in one!