hatch at 40%

[suttonlr]

I bought 80 eggs and end up with about 40% live chicks. What is a reasonable live chick percentage when buying eggs through the mail. They hatched over 4 days and day 24 through 28. The only problem I can imagine is an inaccurate thermometer and hygrometer. Are wet/dry bulbs a better option? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

I believe a realistic expectation is 50%, though I have had anywhere from 0 to 90% hatches on shipped eggs that I have received. In the defense of others, even though I have great hatches at home, I have received reports on eggs I mailed out to others anywhere between 0 and 100%, though most are better than 50%.

Chicks hatching started at Day 24 sounds like an incubator issue if you are talking about chickens. You could always test it with an Acurite Digital Humidity and Temperature Monitor. They cost about $9 at Wal-Mart and I have used them a lot over the years. They are fairly accurate and very easy to use.

 

[suttonlr]

Thanks. These were chukar eggs.

 

[suttonlr]

Thanks. These were chukar eggs.