Incubating and Hatching chicks with this incubator, low hatch rates, need advice

[WVduckchick]

Before your next hatch, get a good thermometer and hygrometer and test them. The methods can be searched here. Make note of any discrepancies and then compare to your incubator. It's not uncommon for incubator readings to be off, sometimes more than you'd expect.

^^ This!


I bet the incubator meters are incorrect.

Also maybe check out the Red link in my signature box below. Humidity isn't a set number for everyone. You need to find the numbers that work for you.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

t I already had two die from being pipped and stuck inside the egg because the membrane and yolk got them very sticky, and suffocated them as it oozed onto their beaks

I have one of those crappy bators... I promise the temp and humidity reading is off. What day are they hatching on? And yes, my hatch rate is lower and embryo death much higher in this bator than my others!

Sticky chicks... humidity was too high. I too incubate in the 35% humidity range, even lower for dark colored eggs.

Adding extra insulation outside the bator making sure not to cover any vent holes. Also move the eggs to a new place in the bator once every day helps to combat temp differences even in circulated air bators and keep hatch frame tight.

Happy hatching!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

wouldn't allow to go under 40 in humidity without the alarm going off.

Setting can be changed on mine for when the alarm goes off.

 

[rascal66]

Before your next hatch, get a good thermometer and hygrometer and test them. The methods can be searched here. Make note of any discrepancies and then compare to your incubator. It's not uncommon for incubator readings to be off, sometimes more than you'd expect.

This is something I will definitely look into doing. Thought I had a spare Hydrometer somewhere but otherwise I'll grab another.

 

[rascal66]

I have one of those crappy bators... I promise the temp and humidity reading is off. What day are they hatching on? And yes, my hatch rate is lower and embryo death much higher in this bator than my others!

Sticky chicks... humidity was too high. I too incubate in the 35% humidity range, even lower for dark colored eggs.

Adding extra insulation outside the bator making sure not to cover any vent holes. Also move the eggs to a new place in the bator once every day helps to combat temp differences even in circulated air bators and keep hatch frame tight.

Happy hatching!

So i have been having about 1 early chick, hatching on day 20 but majority hatch on day 21 and 22. Last time I had some stragglers on late day 22.

I'm starting to believe that you are right, and the reads are off. I'll be looking to test my actual temp and humidity soon.

I'll also try to play with the settings and see if I can do a lower humidity hatch next time around. I'm always open to trying new methods until I get a really good hatch ratio.

Thanks for your response!

 

[merrymutts]

My new incubator is doing the same thing... holds temps GREAT but having issues getting it to hold humidity levels

 

[Redhead Rae]

Is it one of those yellow topped cheapo incubators? I got two of those in 54 egg versions last year. Only one ever worked well enough to hatch anything and eventually it croaked. If you look at the articles about the Franken-bator in my signature, you can see how I salvaged my investment by gutting it and reusing the turner with an incubator kit.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So i have been having about 1 early chick, hatching on day 20 but majority hatch on day 21 and 22. Last time I had some stragglers on late day 22.

Sounds like temp might be pretty close then.

I still hatch around 65% humidity, but incubation through day 18 is when I keep it lower.

 

[rascal66]

Is it one of those yellow topped cheapo incubators? I got two of those in 54 egg versions last year. Only one ever worked well enough to hatch anything and eventually it croaked. If you look at the articles about the Franken-bator in my signature, you can see how I salvaged my investment by gutting it and reusing the turner with an incubator kit.

Yes it is exactly that one! I'd say its working since I'm still hatching chicks, but I'm not happy with the hatch ratio. Its too low for what want...

I'll definitely take a peek! (Although I think I ran across that article before?)

 

[rascal66]

Sounds like temp might be pretty close then.

I still hatch around 65% humidity, but incubation through day 18 is when I keep it lower.

Thats definitely interesting! Guess until I really test my reads and play around with humidity will I really know.