I'm setting my 5th batch of eggs today Feb 7th - will hatch February 28th - anyone with me?

[coldupnorth]

I ended up only hatching 3 of the 8 that went into lockdown. Saw movement in all 8 at lockdown. The three that hatched, hatched on three different days but they were set at the same time. I'm having issues with keeping the temp high enough in the entire incubator. Two that hatched have leg issues. I'm sad because I was really looking forward to these chicks!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Quote:

I'm so sorry. Are they leg issues that can be fixed?

I know how disappointing bad hatches can be. I had one clutch where 1 out of 13 shipped eggs made it to hatch and 3 were good at lock down. I think a lot of it is timing and having reliable equipment. I think I'll stick with broody hens and my own eggs for awhile if I decide to hatch any more chicks. Hope things work out better for you next time.

 

[coldupnorth]

The leg issues are curled toes and not bending at the ankle for one and the other has splayed legs and ankle issues. I've got one in boots to correct toes and the other with a hobble and plenty of vitamin water for them. We'll see how the react - I may have to splint the ankles too but am not sure! I'm going to have to tweek the incubator to work a little better!

 

[bobbieschicks]

The leg issues are curled toes and not bending at the ankle for one and the other has splayed legs and ankle issues. I've got one in boots to correct toes and the other with a hobble and plenty of vitamin water for them. We'll see how the react - I may have to splint the ankles too but am not sure! I'm going to have to tweek the incubator to work a little better!

Good - they should recover. Hatching 3 out of 8 is a good percentage for shipped eggs. Please post pics of your new chicks when you get a chance.

I know what you mean about tweaking. Seems every hatch I spend more time messing with the humidity & temps. I just don't want to buy an expensive incubator. I also don't plan to build one - although lots of people have good success with homemade ones. My downfall is almost always humidity levels if I use it again I need to find a better way to check and change humidity levels. Maybe do dry hatching or something like that.