HELP! Second time trying to hatch with no chicks - with pics

[redladybug12]

Looks like our little giant 9300 is off (under temp) by about 3 degrees. Would that account for the development shown above at 21 days?

 

[redladybug12]

Also nothing has actually hatched. I swiped it down with a Lysol wipe...that good enough?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Probably not. I don't think 3 degrees would delay them to the point of what you're seeing. They should've at least been mostly developed if you gave them 21+ days. What type of thermometer did you get, and did you calibrate it? Most new thermometers (unless they're medical grade or meant for incubating) are hugely inaccurate, even brand new. If you picked a digital one up at Walmart or something, you'll need to check it as well before using it.

I clean my incubator with a diluted bleach solution, rinse it very well with hot water and place it outside in the sun to dry. I don't think a Lysol wipe will do the trick, since your 'bator is made of styrofoam. Since you're having issues getting anything to hatch, I think I'd cover all the bases and go ahead and thoroughly disinfect it as well.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Actually, looking at your pic again, 3* low could probably account for that much development. Especially since your incubator was set at 99.5 and then 100. Make sure your therm is calibrated. You can Google"how to calibrate a thermometer". I prefer the boiling water method to the ice method (considering you'll be dealing with heat instead of cold). And next time you try, set your incubator at 101.5 instead of 100 and see if that helps get you closer to the 21 day mark.

Good luck.

 

[redladybug12]

I used a Mercury thermometer to check the one that came on the incubator. It said the incubator was under temp by about 3 degrees. I really hope that is it...just set 25 eggs yesterday. I'm going to be super bummed if nothing happens again. Anything else I should be checking? Doing a dry hatch.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Nope, you should be good to go. It might really help you to print out a chart of what the chicks should look like on different days of development. And perhaps a chart of the progression of the air cells. Set them next to the incubator and compare your eggs to them when you candle. That way you can be a little more sure that they're on track this time