Hatching advice please!!!

[amibpoe]

I have 7 duck eggs in the incubator. They are on day 28. Two just pipped. One of those are propped up on a paper towel, that has gotten wet (They all have detached air cells, hence being propped up). I have already had to open a couple times to refill water since I can’t get up consistently past 70% humidity. My question is, do I open and swap the wet paper towel for a dry one or let it go?

 

[muddy75]

i would say leave it unless you can do it really fast without risking the others....... @Kiki ??

 

[amibpoe]

i would say leave it unless you can do it really fast without risking the others....... @Kiki ??

How do I know if I am risking the others? Very new to this! The only hatching Ive ever done is under a broody hen.

 

[muddy75]

the reason you don’t want to open the incubator unnecessarily during hatching, is that the influx of dry air can shrinkwrap pipped/hatching eggs. so basically if the benefit of opening doesn’t outweigh the risks to the other eggs, leave it be......

 

[Isaac 0]

Take the wet paper towel out, it may chill the duckling since it's in contact with the egg, and if you are having a hard time keeping the humidity high just set a moist sponge or towel in the incubator (not touching the eggs).

I'm a partial freak, and I open the incubator several times during lockdown with no problems You'll be fine if the humidity gets back up.

 

[amibpoe]

Take the wet paper towel out, it may chill the duckling since it's in contact with the egg, and if you are having a hard time keeping the humidity high just set a moist sponge or towel in the incubator (not touching the eggs).

I'm a partial freak, and I open the incubator several times during lockdown with no problems You'll be fine if the humidity gets back up.

Humidity ok at 70? I have a wet sponge in there already.

 

[Isaac 0]

That's just about where I keep mine, add another moist towel if needed, I think you'll be fine though.

 

[amibpoe]

thanks y’all!

 

[amibpoe]

So my temp is now down to 95. I was so caught up with humidity that I haven’t noticed the temp. When I removed the paper towel I did notice the egg felt cold. How long is too long for this low of a temp? I really don’t have any back up plans.

 

[Texag87]

95 is better than 105. It may delay your hatch at this point a couple hours. In fact, it may be beneficial since the ducklings are working their tails off to get out of the egg.