I just set 5-21-11 in my home made incubator

[matlock585]

well after they are pipped, if you open the incubator it will let your humidity drop which can make the membrane that surrounds the chicks become harder and rubbery, and also it will stick to them. That is what shrinkwrapping is. If one gets shrinkwrapped, it can't hatch on its own. Have you been monitoring the humidity?

 

[chicksntexas]

OK, I'm excited again

I couldn't stand it, so I did a float test this morning. And I have 13 rockin & rollin' !! Woo hoo!!

1 sank, gone. The others floated, but no movement. I put them back in just in case.

 

[matlock585]

So what is the float test? I've heard folks reference it on here, but never took the time to research. I also wanted to ask you why you put the hydrogen peroxide in the water after you had the stinky egg?
Hope they aren't silly questions, I just try to know as much as I can.
I'm excited for you though, to find out that you're gonna get some fuzzybutts.

 

[TerryQui]

Quote:
Yes I am and it is kept at 80. None have pipped yet, so I guess I am safe there. Thank you for explaining that.

I am aware of the float test. Is the water safe for the eggs though?

 

[chicksntexas]

Quote:
Here's a link to the float test... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=383525

I read a few posts about hydrogen peroxide helping keep bacteria in check. I'm not sure if it's true or works, but I figured what the hey...couldn't hurt...lol

As long as the water temp is 100 and there have been NO pips or cracks in the eggs, the water is safe.

 

[matlock585]

Thanks Chicksntx.

I just might have to try that on my fifth egg this evening if it isn't doing anything yet. I really hope I didn't shrinkwrap #4. It isn't doing anything at all now. I'm worried

 

[skelly]

I set mine on 5-22-11 and I have 3 of 36 out already.I'm so hoping to have a decent hatch this time.First hatch I had about 60% hatch out but then then next ones only 2 out of 30.I did everything the same but for some reason it was just a bad hatch.So I am really nervous about this one.

 

[matlock585]

skelly
are you using shipped eggs?

 

[TerryQui]

I think the thing that concerns me is that a still air incubator fluctuates according to the room temperature.
Then also, I have no clue if my thermometer is totally correct. Back when I started to use it, I compared it to others and felt it was the most correct one.
I have gone in there though and found the temp over 100 and even found it to knock down to 95.
I watch it daily. It knocked down to 95 after I took the egg turner out and put the eggs in on flat. My guess is that the egg turner helped keep the heat up higher by holding heat.
So yeah, frustrating thing.
I have hatched before in it, my green cheeks. Maybe they are not as fussy as chickens, lol

 

[skelly]

no I'm not using shipped eggs.