How can I improve my hatch rates?

[PioneerChicks]

Hey fellow hatchers!

I've done several hatches, and didn't keep track of humidity or temp. But I know for sure that none of my hatch rates have gone above 70%. Most are around 50-60%

My most recent hatch was dry incubation (humidity stayed between 18-20%) and I hoped it to about 70% at lockdown. However, I just had a rag to hold water and had to switch it out a couple times during lockdown. Besides duds, all the eggs were perfectly healthy until lockdown. But only 5/8 hatched (63%).

I have a Hovabator 1588 with an automatic turner. I also have a hydrometer that seems fairly accurate.

I store eggs in my basement where it consistently stays between 60-70* F. Big side up in cardboard cartons.

I'm getting some Barred Holland hatching eggs (not shipped, I'll be holding them during a 8 hour car ride...any tips on transportation?) in a few days and want the best for them!

I can't adjust temperature much, but is there anything else I can do to improve hatch rates? Where am I going wrong? Do I need a sponge for lockdown?

 

[Smileybans]

Use a sponge, or multiple if needed, for lockdown and don’t open the incubator at all if you don’t have to. That’s the point of lockdown. The incubator doesn’t get opened. With the smaller incubators every time you open it humidity is lost. Which in turn can cause the membrane to shrink inside the shell. I have had this happen.

I do eggtopsies after all my hatches and had some chicks fully formed that had internally pipped but then died. The membrane was pressed against them. I’m assuming when I opened the incubator to take out the newly hatched chicks the membrane had shrunk in on the chicks still inside the egg. Making it hard for them to move. I try not to remove chicks until 24 hours after they hatch but some just need to come out sooner.

 

[Tonyroo]

If your traveling by car with eggs, consider using foam or something that can absorb the bumps and vibration from driving.

When your incubating it's important not to introduce bacteria into the incubator, try to keep it sanitary. If you have to handle the eggs or components of the incubator wash your hands first.
Make sure your setup for lockdown try to avoid improvising during it.

 

[LaFleche]

dry incubation (humidity stayed between 18-20%) and I hoped it to about 70% at lockdown.

Depending on the breed, eggsize, eggshell condition and size and condition of the air cells, humidity for the first 17 days should be 30-45 %. Day 18 until hatch 65%.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Use a sponge, or multiple if needed, for lockdown and don’t open the incubator at all if you don’t have to. That’s the point of lockdown. The incubator doesn’t get opened. With the smaller incubators every time you open it humidity is lost. Which in turn can cause the membrane to shrink inside the shell. I have had this happen.

I do eggtopsies after all my hatches and had some chicks fully formed that had internally pipped but then died. The membrane was pressed against them. I’m assuming when I opened the incubator to take out the newly hatched chicks the membrane had shrunk in on the chicks still inside the egg. Making it hard for them to move. I try not to remove chicks until 24 hours after they hatch but some just need to come out sooner.

If your traveling by car with eggs, consider using foam or something that can absorb the bumps and vibration from driving.

When your incubating it's important not to introduce bacteria into the incubator, try to keep it sanitary. If you have to handle the eggs or components of the incubator wash your hands first.
Make sure your setup for lockdown try to avoid improvising during it.

Sounds great! I'll find a sponge or two for lockdown. Thank you both!

 

[PioneerChicks]

Depending on the breed, eggsize, eggshell condition and size and condition of the air cells, humidity for the first 17 days should be 30-45 %. Day 18 until hatch 65%.

Even while doing dry incubation? I wonder if my area is too dry for dry incubation.

 

[LaFleche]

I wonder if my area is too dry for dry incubation.

That's what I would think.

 

[PioneerChicks]

That's what I would think.

Sounds good, thanks for the tip!

 

[Kiki]

But only 5/8 hatched (63%).

Did you open the three eggs that did not hatch?

 

[Kiki]

Do you have calibrated thermometers spread out in your incubator and is your humidity gauge salt tested?