Hatching Silkie Eggs

[Lhubbard]

Ok so my Hova Bator has been holding 99.5 degrees with 55 percent humidity for about 3 days. Eggs are coming today, along with egg tuner. I also ordered a fan but it wont get here possibly until the 18th. I was thinking I could install turner today, do final temp tweaks and set eggs Sat?

My house is about 68-70 degrees. If that plan sounds good should I keep the eggs out at that room temp or cooler, in my garage? Im guessing its 45-50s in there its been pretty cool.

Should I wait to install fan? When fan comes should I install a couple days into hatch, or if all is going ok should I return fan?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Good morning!

Do not install that fan during your incubation, you will be asking for trouble.

Honestly I got some of my best hatches in a still air with no turner.

While it is still air... you need to be at 102.

I bred and hatched Silkies for a few years... about 45% humidity is good through day 18.

If the eggs are being shipped have you seen any info on setting shipped eggs in case the air cells are detached type stuff?

This hatching resource will tell you how to store them... I would not go with the garage as those are almost fridge temps. I would go with coolest most humid place in the house..
https://www.hubbardbreeders.com/media/incubation_guideen__053407700_1525_26062017.pdf

One final suggestion.. be sure and move your eggs to a new spot in the bator daily to help ensure even development and keep your hatch frame tight. It will help make up for warm or cool spots like where the turner motor produces some of it's own heat.

Happy hatching!

 

[Lhubbard]

Thank you for the info. The fan came early, I installed and now know that the thermostat was causing issues. It was old and stripped so not holding the wafer in place. I was lucky to get a Genisis on rent today and it been going great since this morning, I will place eggs tonight. So far it has been so much easier and less confusing!!!

I have been storing small side down, inside and I did read about detached air cells and starting with low humidity. Problem is that its raining here. Im running dry and hydrometer says 55, Genisis says 45. Its not near a window or drafts. Any other way to lower humidity?

 

[Lhubbard]

I should explain that when I added the egg turner the temp no longer held in first bator. It started shooting all over and causing problems. Thought the fan would help but it didnt, made things worse. Anyways now we are here.