Gah! So nervous about my eggs!

[MaggieB]

First time hatcher here. My project feels like it's become an endurance test for my poor dozen Cuckoo Marans. I started strong, feeling good about everything. Little Giant with fan and egg turner working well and temp dialed in. Never knew humidity, but kept the wells full. Then came lockdown. I noticed a bit of rocking and movement on day 18. I put in a small cup with water and small wet towel and noticed I nolonger had forced air. Not sure when my fan went out, but I had my temp set at 99.5 a little low for still air.
And then nothing. And more nothing. Today is hatching day. I should have double checked regularly with my second thermometer, but I didn't till today. My reading was at 95F! Ack! I know I had it at the perfect temp at day 18, but have dropped to 95 sometime in the last three days.
I was pretty sure I'm a chick killer, only I brought the temp back up to 100 and heard the sweet, sweet sounds of peeps coming from the styrofoam box I was beginning to despise. Still no movement that I see. And believe me I've stared hard and long. I'm beging to think an incubator is like a watched kettle.
I'm *ehem* leading my daughter's poultry 4-h group with this hatching project and know that others are having successful hatchlings as I type this and I would feel terrible if she is the only unsuccessful one.
I've got all fingers crossed that we are just a day behind from all this. But I'd love to hear any advice or tips for where to go from here for the best outcome.
Thanks so much!

 

[postalpoultry]

I have had the same thing in yrs past (drop of temp) slows the process but didn't kill anybody.
be patient and keep watch, I bet it turns out just fine

 

[MaggieB]

Thank you postalpoultry (love your name). It's nice to hear that. I'm hoping to wake up to an exciting tomorrow. Who knew hatching could bring out such stress! Time to back away from the box and call it a night.