humidity problems?

[FridayYet]

I believe that all the healthy ones that will hatch, often do so within approx 48 hours of the first hatch. After the end of day 23, the chances of healthy hatches goes down considerably. Of course, as soon as I say that, others will say "I had a chick hatch on day 25 and it was fine!" But I think you have to look at the whole picture.

Here's how I look at it: You have had 3 hatch already on day 21, and have several more in progress. This shows your temperature and humidity were good for a "normal" 21-day hatch. (If your temps were low, your whole hatch could have been delayed.) I'd give them through Monday, then re-assess the remaining eggs for signs of life.

 

[BarrettG]

Well said! I will keep you updated. I hear a lot of chirping. Hopefully that motivates the others. So exciting and the kids including me are fascinated

 

[FridayYet]

How are things this morning? Was wondering if you humidity came down at all.

 

[BarrettG]

Humidity is down to 81% now. I have 11 hatched and 1 more coming for sure. I put in about 6 eggs that were older then 10 days so if those don't hatch it's not a big deal. I woke up this morning to another 5 chicks. Best morning in a long time lol. I notice if I open the incubator I have about 7 seconds before the humidity really drops.

 

[FridayYet]

Humidity is down to 81% now. I have 11 hatched and 1 more coming for sure. I put in about 6 eggs that were older then 10 days so if those don't hatch it's not a big deal. I woke up this morning to another 5 chicks. Best morning in a long time lol. I notice if I open the incubator I have about 7 seconds before the humidity really drops.

Congratulations! Sounds like you are having a great hatch! Learning your incubator and taking note of recovery time for temp and humidity is great, and will help you so much in the long run.

Glad you and your kids are having fun. Hatching is a blast and watch out, it's addicting!

 

[BarrettG]

Hahaaaaaa it sure is. I'm looking at my egg basket like I got enough eggs to throw in the incubator and still have some for breakfast lol.

I have a question about the chick's. I see them eating but I haven't seen one go for water. Is that natural after hatching or should they be chugging right now? I put some marbles in the water so they won't drown I wonder if that has something to do with it? Anything to worry about?

 

[FridayYet]

Just to make sure, I take each chick and dip their beaks in the water a couple of times until I see them swallow. Always makes me feel better, although more than likely they will drink when they need to. I just like to make sure each one knows where the water is.

 

[FridayYet]

One more thing: I see you are using a heat lamp in your brooder. In the future, you might want to try a different way that I think is much healthier for the chicks

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

I had already bought a Brinsea Eco-glow brooder plate when I saw this thread or I would have made one. The nice thing is that you are only heating the "cave" and the chicks run in and out as they feel like it, kind of like they do with a mother hen. It also allows for more natural sleep cycles since the chicks experience darkness at night. My last set of chicks loved the brooder plate and they slept so much better at night!

Something to think about for future hatches.

 

[BarrettG]

Dang that thing is 80 bucks. I do see how it will create good sleep habits though. That is an interesting article. A lot of good pointers. I'm going to put them by the water now to see if they take to it

 

[FridayYet]

Yeah, the Brinsea is expensive, but I like it. My incubator was expensive, too!

(Bought them at the same time.)

Most people have made the "momma heating pad" cave out of a sunbeam heating pad and scraps of fencing or wire, so the only cost was for the heating pad, which I think is less than $25.00.