Incubation/Hatch Rate Question

[LilJoe]

.. A few months ago I set about 18 eggs in my incubator. Only one hatched, but it was assisted. Unfortunately, she had to be put down due to a leg issue at hatch. Otherwise, all the eggs were full and dark. Temperature was at 100* the whole incubation period, humidity at 40%-45% until lockdown which was 50%.
What happened? Did I do something wrong?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your loss
First of all what incubator are you using?
Is it forced air (fan) or still?
Were the eggs from your flock or purchased/shipped?
Did you candle to check air cells?
Did you open any unhatched up to see if they developed?

 

[The Phantom]

.. A few months ago I set about 18 eggs in my incubator. Only one hatched, but it was assisted. Unfortunately, she had to be put down due to a leg issue at hatch. Otherwise, all the eggs were full and dark. Temperature was at 100* the whole incubation period, humidity at 40%-45% until lockdown which was 50%.
What happened? Did I do something wrong?

I like incubation humidity at 45-50% and lock down 60% minimum. I like 75-80%. If it was at 50% that is probably why you had to help him. The membrane must of dried up like a rock and kept him locked in. Also never trust the gauges that come with the incubator. They can be off. I have 2 different gauges I use.

 

[LilJoe]

Sorry for your loss
First of all what incubator are you using?
Is it forced air (fan) l?
Were the eggs from your flock or purchased/shipped?
Did you candle to check air cells?
Did you open any unhatched up to see if they developed?

I am using an older forced air cabinet incubator. Not sure on the make or model though :/ The eggs were from my flock and were a week old, give or take a couple days. I candle the eggs, but I never check air cells and I didnt crack any of the unhatched ones.

I like incubation humidity at 45-50% and lock down 60% minimum. I like 75-80%. If it was at 50% that is probably why you had to help him. The membrane must of dried up like a rock and kept him locked in. Also never trust the gauges that come with the incubator. They can be off. I have 2 different gauges I use.

I was doing a dry hatch (more like a 'moist hatch'.. little wetter than dry). I get good hatch rates using this method. And if I have 60% or above on humidity, the hatch rate is low.
on that batch I used 3 gauges. Two of them matched, so I went off those.
(I had to help the chick because he pipped on the correct side, but he didnt do anything for a long time. I helped him and he was upside down in his egg. He couldnt turn back around because his leg was messed up)

 

[ChickNanny13]

I had read up until lock down humidity between 35 - 45% and at lockdown 70 - 75%, however your air cell size determines how the egg is doing. Hence candling on day 7, 14, 18 ... Checking development and air cell growth. Also it's been read the ambient humidity affects the humidity.

@oldhenlikesdogs @WVduckchick @Lady of McCamley Thank you in advance for any help or advice here

 

[WVduckchick]

I’ve read that cabinet incubators tend to do better with a little higher humidity than table tops, but don't know that for sure. Have only tested mine briefly, no full incubations in it yet.
LilJoe, I know you have seramas, were these possibly serama eggs?

 

[LilJoe]

I’ve read that cabinet incubators tend to dogooter with a little higher humidity than table tops, but don't know that for sure. Have only tested mine briefly, no full incubations in it yet.
LilJoe, I know you have seramas, were these possibly serama eggs?

Yes they were. I know seramas usually have low hatch rates, but the lady I got my birds from had good rates.