Hatching Eggs? Shipped Eggs?

[MeanV2]

Ok! Anyone that has incubated shipped eggs what has been your hatch rate? Any secrets you think are important?

If you have also hatched nonshipped eggs how does your hatch rate differ?

I'd like to hear everyone's input!

Dan

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have hatched fridge eggs.

 

[gimmie birdies]

but they were local.

 

[PollyC]

I have hatched shipped eggs and expect no more than a 50% hatch if I get more I consider myself lucky. When I hatch local pickup eggs or my own the rate is quite a bit better 75% to 95%.

 

[kizanne]

I agree with Polly. I've hatched a few batches of shipped eggs. I have achieved more than 50% each time with a Little Giant but I only expect about 50%. Some where just barely more than 50% and once I had about 75%. My own fertile eggs usually hatch close to 90% even in my Little giant with temp and humidity swings.

 

[MeanV2]

I have wondered how a Hen controls humidity?

Dan

 

[kizanne]

touch. the skin and feathers hold in the natural humidity released. I don't think they 'dry' incubate.

 

[ozexpat]

Ok! Anyone that has incubated shipped eggs what has been your hatch rate? Any secrets you think are important?

If you have also hatched nonshipped eggs how does your hatch rate differ?

I'd like to hear everyone's input!

Dan

huge amounts of info are available

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/704328/diary-notes-air-cell-detatched-shipped-eggs

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

and the very poignant https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/738943/the-great-egg-shipping-experiment

 

[ozexpat]

I have wondered how a Hen controls humidity?

Dan

she wiggles when her legs get sweaty - or something like that

 

[gimmie birdies]

they are not 60 % I will tell you that and they are not more moist at hatching.