Incubating eggs day 17

[browntownfarm]

Im new to incubating eggs. I have 7 that are in the incubator and today is day 17. I candled them last night. They are all alive and moving but dont seem as big as they should be at this stage. I can still see a good bit in the shell. Anyone have advice? Thanks!

 

[Hybridchucks]

Maybe you got the calculations wrong, as in marking day 1....2...3.. etc

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

How did you count the days? What has the temp/humidity been throughout incubation? If they're alive I wouldn't worry, just start lockdown on day 18. Let us know how it goes!

 

[browntownfarm]

I started them june 19th so I think today is 17. Humidity has been right at 60%

 

[tuesdaze]

Today is day 16. Days are counted at the end of each 24 hour period. I think of it like birthdays - you are age one after you have lived twelve months. An egg is day 1 after it has incubated for 24 hours.

 

[Revan]

If you see movement, leave them. You don't want to toss living chicks. It's a bit devastating in my opinion. Just give them the time they need. If they are alive, they'll hatch when they are ready.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

I started them june 19th so I think today is 17. Humidity has been right at 60%

Then lockdown is a day after you thought.

Wait, the humidity has been at 60% for the whole incubation?! I'm surprised any are alive! That is way too high. It should be around 30-35% for the first 18 days, then go up to 55%-75% for lockdown. Chicks will drown if the humidity is too high, and you can have a lot of health problems if they hatch.

 

[browntownfarm]

Wow! When I read through my incubator directions it said 60-80%!. I just checked and its at 50 now. Should i leave it where it is? I have read through so many threads today and everyone humidity levels are so different. Hopefully I will still have a decent hatch!

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Wow! When I read through my incubator directions it said 60-80%!. I just checked and its at 50 now. Should i leave it where it is? I have read through so many threads today and everyone humidity levels are so different. Hopefully I will still have a decent hatch!

The incubator directions are pretty much always wrong. :/ I'd get it down if possible (remove vent plug) but you're pretty close to lockdown. Yeah!

 

[Revan]

I admit, humidity is hard to control, especially since many people (and manuals) state different humidity levels). 60-70% though is more what you want for hatching period, not the incubation period. Incubating is a learning process so even if you don't get a good turnout with this batch, keep trying. Eventually you'll get it so it works for you without problems. Only thing to bear in mind is avoid opening your incubator the last few days (and stop turning if you turn manually) because the chicks are readying themselves into the correct position for hatching. When your chicks hatch, leave them in there until you believe all have hatched and they are dry otherwise they can get chilled. Chicks are fine without food and water for about 24 hours after hatching.