First Year Incubating Eggs, what do I need to know?

[birdwrangler057]

I have much more respect for a new hatcher that asks tons of questions and wants to be prepared and know all they can than one who does no research, knows nothing about temps or humidity and just wings it then looks for help when it all goes bad. I wish more new hatchers would take the time to find things out prior to starting a delicate little life.

Thank you, I do find life very delicate, and I would feel so bad if I had chicks die.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thank you, I do find life very delicate, and I would feel so bad if I had chicks die.

Well, unfortunely that is something that will happen, but when you do everything you can to have the knowledge and provide the best environment, you know you did the best you could. The ones that don't hatch and the one's that have to be culled are heartbreakers.

 

[birdwrangler057]

Quote:
True. So if I want to end up with at least 6-10 chicks in the end, should I put in a few extra?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Quote:
True. So if I want to end up with at least 6-10 chicks in the end, should I put in a few extra?

Definitely. Unless you have 100% fertility you have to expect a couple clears, I seldom have a hatch without one or two early quitters and I usually have 2-3 that make it to lockdown and don't hatch. In 2 1/2 years I've only had 1 100% hatch.

 

[birdwrangler057]

Definitely. Unless you have 100% fertility you have to expect a couple clears, I seldom have a hatch without one or two early quitters and I usually have 2-3 that make it to lockdown and don't hatch. In 2 1/2 years I've only had 1 100% hatch.

Ok, I will add a couple extra then. Thanks!

 

[birdwrangler057]

Yaaayyyyy! I placed my order! the incubator comes next week! Thanks for all the help (I'll probably be back with more questions)!

 

[coloradowildflower]

Good luck! It is a fantastic adventure. Just finished my first hatch with a 100% hatch rate! It was magical. I see now why people keep doing it! Let us know when your 'bator arrives!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Good luck! It is a fantastic adventure. Just finished my first hatch with a 100% hatch rate! It was magical. I see now why people keep doing it! Let us know when your 'bator arrives!

Congrats!

 

[birdwrangler057]

Hey everyone! I promised I would keep y'all posted so...


I got my hygrometer and thermometers and candler in the mail!

The problem is, the thermometers always stay like 2 degrees apart, and the black one stays like 4 degrees above or below my thermostat temp. Can I still use these without messing up the incubation? Thanks!

 

[Pyxis]

Hey everyone! I promised I would keep y'all posted so...


I got my hygrometer and thermometers and candler in the mail!

The problem is, the thermometers always stay like 2 degrees apart, and the black one stays like 4 degrees above or below my thermostat temp. Can I still use these without messing up the incubation? Thanks!

Calibrate the reptile one Fill a glass half with ice and half with water, let it sit for a few minutes, then stick the probe in. The temp of the water will be 32 degrees. If the thermometer is off, you'll know how off it is so you can take that into account.