help

[ladyh]

I am not new to incubating. The first batch 6 was done in a Hova Bator. 4 hatched and then died.

The second, in nuture right 360, 4 eggs 2 hatched, one died...this last pic is the last one. I think it will die. I don't know why this is happening. I decided to spray with CS for bacteria on these, not the first, thinking that was the problem, apparently not. temp 99.5, humidity correct during incubation. raised to 65-70 during lockdown. Bator cleaned.

can anyone see from this pick, as they all looked the same what the problem is. These chickens were from Meyer whick I will NEVER buy from them again. They were supposed tobe buffs...no inter breeding. The hens are almost 2 years old and NEVER go broody. Their eggs are a light color, almost white..not brown as I was told.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I am not new to incubating. The first batch 6 was done in a Hova Bator. 4 hatched and then died.

The second, in nuture right 360, 4 eggs 2 hatched, one died...this last pic is the last one. I think it will die. I don't know why this is happening. I decided to spray with CS for bacteria on these, not the first, thinking that was the problem, apparently not. temp 99.5, humidity correct during incubation. raised to 65-70 during lockdown. Bator cleaned.

can anyone see from this pick, as they all looked the same what the problem is. These chickens were from Meyer whick I will NEVER buy from them again. They were supposed tobe buffs...no inter breeding.

What was your humidity during incubation? Did you have an analog thermometer and hygrometer inside or were you solely relying on the onboard instruments? The humidity is a little high for lockdown. The problem with high humidity is that is they can actually get fluid in their lungs and drown. I've also seen it cause hatching issues if it was too high during the incubation period because of the fluid retention.

 

[ladyh]

What was your humidity during incubation? Did you have an analog thermometer and hygrometer inside or were you solely relying on the onboard instruments? The humidity is a little high for lockdown. The problem with high humidity is that is they can actually get fluid in their lungs and drown. I've also seen it cause hatching issues if it was too high during the incubation period because of the fluid retention.

The humidity stayed about 65 and I raised to 70 thinking that was the problem... Yes I have two hydrometers and temps...they both were off...never found one right to exact...tried the calibration for hydro...just doesn't work. So far the last one is still breathing. According to reading this forum and everywhere else 60-70 is the correct lockdown temp.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

The humidity stayed about 65 and I raised to 70 thinking that was the problem... Yes I have two hydrometers and temps...they both were off...never found one right to exact...tried the calibration for hydro...just doesn't work. So far the last one is still breathing. According to reading this forum and everywhere else 60-70 is the correct lockdown temp.

65% humidity is to high for the incubation period and high humidity overall is most likely why you are seeing such poor hatch rates.
"Poor results in hatching are commonly caused by the improper control of temperature or humidity. When the temperature or humidity is too high or too low for a long period of time, the normal growth and development of the embryo is affected." - University of Illinois Incubation and Embryology Department

 

[ladyh]

65% humidity is to high for the incubation period and high humidity overall is most likely why you are seeing such poor hatch rates.

and you suggest what?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

and you suggest what?

I keep my humidity around 40%-50% (try to keep it at low 40s) based off of weighing the eggs on a gram scale before placing them in the incubator and weighing during incubation to ensure they are losing the correct weight. For chicken eggs you want a target weight loss of 11-13% by day 18. If your eggs are losing too much weight than your humidity is too low and if they are not losing enough weight your humidity is too high. Here is some great information from the University of Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (Note the temperature differences are still air vs. circulated incubators).

 

[ladyh]

I keep my humidity around 40%-50% (try to keep it at low 40s) based off of weighing the eggs on a gram scale before placing them in the incubator and weighing during incubation to ensure they are losing the correct weight. For chicken eggs you want a target weight loss of 11-13% by day 18. If your eggs are losing too much weight than your humidity is too low and if they are not losing enough weight your humidity is too high. Here is some great information from the University of Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (Note the temperature differences are still air vs. circulated incubators).
View attachment 2951553

How can you determine the weight of eggs when you aren't supposed to disturb them during incubation? I don't know anyone that measure the weight their eggs. I have had successful hatches with 65-70% humidity in previous years...confused about these hatches...I think it's the hatchery I got these hens and roos from. defect.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

How can you determine the weight of eggs when you aren't supposed to disturb them during incubation? I don't know anyone that measure the weight their eggs. I have had successful hatches with 65-70% humidity in previous years...confused about these hatches...I think it's the hatchery I got these hens and roos from. defect.

What do you mean you are not supposed to disturb them? Do you not candle to check development and remove bad eggs? Many people candle to measure air cell development and weighing is the most accurate way to determine humidity.

 

[Mrs J]

How can you determine the weight of eggs when you aren't supposed to disturb them during incubation? I don't know anyone that measure the weight their eggs. I have had successful hatches with 65-70% humidity in previous years...confused about these hatches...I think it's the hatchery I got these hens and roos from. defect.

I weigh and candle mine…it’s lockdown when you can’t disturb them. I have my humidity at 40-45 to start then about 55-60 during lockdown. But everyone has their own way of doing things.

 

[ladyh]

What do you mean you are not supposed to disturb them? Do you not candle? Many people candle to measure air cell development and weighing is the most accurate way to determine humidity.

What do you mean you are not supposed to disturb them? Do you not candle to check development and remove bad eggs? Many people candle to measure air cell development and weighing is the most accurate way to determine humidity.

I candle at day 6 and don't open the brooder so temp and humidity don't fluctuate. even on this forum and others, opening the brooder fluctuating humidity and temp
would cause poor hatch rates.