Half my batch is gone

[bbond]

So, I’m hatching eggs from pullets that are close to a year old. Could their age be affecting the outcome for the incubation?

 

[Animals45]

What is wrong with the eggs?

 

[Broodygranny]

That sounds like a good age, as long as their eggs have reached full size. They should be in their prime. What issue are you having?

 

[Broodygranny]

Sorry. More specifically, did they hatch then die? We're they infertile, and never developed? Did they make it halfway then quit?

 

[bbond]

One made it about 10 days and quit. The other two quit anywhere from day 14-16. It may be because I waited a few days to pop them into the incubator? I have a little giant. The humidity was reading 45 the whole time and temp at 99.3-.5 when i checked today one had a blood ring and the other two looked like the yolks broke down. Didn’t open them just from candling it looked like the yolks had separated.

 

[WVduckchick]

My bet would be your incubator is actually warmer than the gage says. Have you tested it with another thermometer that has been tested for accuracy?
Also an extra hygrometer would be advisable, also independently verified for accuracy.

 

[bbond]

My bet would be your incubator is actually warmer than the gage says. Have you tested it with another thermometer that has been tested for accuracy?
Also an extra hygrometer would be advisable, also independently verified for accuracy.

Grabbing my thermometer from my brooder now.

 

[bbond]

Grabbing my thermometer from my brooder now.

Wow. This other thermometer is reading 95•

 

[WVduckchick]

Wow. This other thermometer is reading 95•

So if that one is correct, your incubator was 104ish, that will definitely kill chicks. (Very briefly at that temp won’t automatically kill them, but prolonged, it will)

 

[WVduckchick]

Look up some thermometer tests. Ice bath, etc. Find one you can do on specific thermometers you have.