I am new to an incubator can anyone help?

[fishman65]

I have always been told to raise the temp in a still air incubator (101) and keep it at 99.5-100 degrees in a forced air (fan) incubator. Everybody has different ways to set and hatch eggs. What works for me might not work for you. Trial and error is the only way to LEARN how to hatch out little bundles of joy and pain. Unfortunately you must experience the heartbreak of a bad hatch to truly enjoy a great one. It hits children very hard. Buying hatchery chicks are great but hatching out your own babies is a Blast!!! Good luck hope everything turns out peaches and cream for you and your daughter. Just remember one thing........ once you hatch out your first chick there is no turning back!!!!! You will be addicted for live.

 

[chickenlady08]

Ok so today is Day 7. I am going to candle tonight once I get home from work and get settled with kids homework and dinner and chicken chores. I am nervous and scared. I know it may be to soon but the suspense is killing my kids and myself.

Cross your fingers and hope for a good report.

Thanks to all of you that have given me advice on what you have done in the past for your hatches.

 

[chickenlady08]

Quote:
YB192004 I am sorry somehow I didn't see you had posted this. Thanks again and sorry also for not responding sooner.

 

[chickenlady08]

Alright so today is Day 18. I took out the auto turner and placed my 11 eggs in the incubator on cheescloth (kinda felt like they need a little cushioning under them) yes I know a little ocd. So I am positive that there are 8 eggs developed and 2 I can't see through the shells (but the egg looks like it is full, like the others) and then 1 that I think is a possible quitter. So after I get them straight and close the bator I thought I was losing it. One of the eggs moved. So thinking I am just tired I keep looking and it moved again, then another one and then another one. I hope my other ones start to moving soon. But I am excited and not wanting to go to sleep now.

So tomorow I need to raise the humidity up to 60% to 70%. I also believe that I need to remove the red plugs in the top. Do I do that now or wait til tomorow?

Thanks

Lisa

 

[chickenlady08]

Alright today is Day 20 and I have 4 babies that have hatched out today. 2 more have pipped but little worried about 1 of them cause that was the 2nd one to pip this am.

Pictures to come!!!

 

[texaschickmom]

Great News!!! Keep us posted! Sending good hatching vibes from Texas!

 

[chickenlady08]

Quote:
Thank you Martha,

I now have 5 chicks hatched. 4 yellow and 1 blackish in color. 3 of the yellow ones have feathered feet and 5 toes, so I am thinking that my Cochin/Silkie boys are daddys now. lol

2 pips also. I have been a nervous wreck but in the end it is so exciting.