Hatching problems

[Papadavid]

Just got my 2nd batch hatched out of the incubator. Both times I am only getting 25% to hatc! Some die before they break completely out of the shell and some are dead before they pip. I suspect it is the humidty because the ones I have helped out of the shell, the membrane seemss to be relly tough. Am I on the right track. I maintain the temp @100degrees and keep water in the incubator and have a turner. Any thughts?

 

[Fairybee]

do you have a humidity reader?
sometime you may need to add wet towls ect to up the humidity if its too low

Edited to add information

Effects of air humidity during incubation and age after hatch on heat tolerance of neonatal male and female chicks.


Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Abstract
Effects of incubation 45 versus 55% relative humidity (RH) and early versus late hatching time on heat tolerance of neonatal male and female chicks were studied. Chicks were exposed for 48 h to temperatures of 35 (Experiment 1), 37 (Experiment 2), or 39 C (Experiment 3). Chicks that hatched from eggs incubated at 45% RH were lighter at hatch than chicks that hatched from eggs incubated at 55% RH. Chicks that hatched from eggs incubated at 55% RH lost more body weight and water during heat exposure than those that hatched from eggs incubated at 45% RH. Body weight and water loss during heat exposure of chicks that hatched early and late was similar. However, chicks that hatched late maintained their initial heat production and respiratory quotient better during heat exposure than chicks that hatched early. Body weight and water loss of male and female chicks was similar. At 37 and 39 C, heat production of chicks fell to lower values during the 2nd day of exposure compared with the 1st day. It was concluded that chicks that hatched late, i.e., with a short holding period in the hatcher, and coming from eggs incubated at 45% RH had increased heat tolerance in comparison with the other chicks.

 

[Papadavid]

No but am buying one before I try it again.

 

[Fairybee]

thats what i found on it but there are some great people on here that could tell you what humidity you need for what type of eggs your hatching and at stage to change it

 

[Papadavid]

Thanks fairybee. Looks like you spent some time on it. Gotta get the humidity checker. thanks again.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

If your humidity was too high, the chicks could have possibly drowned. We don't have the instincts of a hen. That is why you really do need a hygrometer and then calibrate when you get it. Mix 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup water in a glass, put glass and the hygrometer in a Ziploc bag and seal it shut. After 12 hrs, it should read 75%. If it doesn't, you will know how far it is off. Good luck and don't give up.