- Mar 17, 2014
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I realize generally, it is never ok to assist a chick in hatching given the chances of creating more problems than you already have. But here's my dilemma & why the thought is crossing my mind:
I have been "dry" hatching since my first time incubating (which has been just a few), and have had a hatch rate at 90% so far. All I do as far as humidity is add a dish of water with paper towels to my "hatcher" incubator & when the humidity begins to fall (I keep vents open) every few hours, I take a straw and warm water in my mouth & add just small spots of water randomly around inside (going through vents; usually about 4-5 spots does the trick) on the paper towels I have lining the bottom. Careful to not get eggs wet. I try to keep it above 60% but under 80%. During the first 18 days, the humidity in my house is always between 30-44% (I live in TN). Today while I was at work (I worked 5 hours & made sure humidity was correct before I left) the humidity dropped to my house's level. I came home & it was at 31%. I made changes immediately, but it appears I have a chick who pipped, but failed to zip. As the membrane looks a little white for my liking. I have another that has just pipped, one that hasn't yet, & 6 almost dry-dry chicks in there with it. Whats concerning is theres only a hole in the membrane about the size of a pen head for the chick to get air. Along the zip line, it has knocked exterior shell off, but didn't break through membrane.
What would you do? I have a lot of money in these guys (Dorkings) & I don't want to lose it due to my mistakes.
Thanks so much!!!!
I have been "dry" hatching since my first time incubating (which has been just a few), and have had a hatch rate at 90% so far. All I do as far as humidity is add a dish of water with paper towels to my "hatcher" incubator & when the humidity begins to fall (I keep vents open) every few hours, I take a straw and warm water in my mouth & add just small spots of water randomly around inside (going through vents; usually about 4-5 spots does the trick) on the paper towels I have lining the bottom. Careful to not get eggs wet. I try to keep it above 60% but under 80%. During the first 18 days, the humidity in my house is always between 30-44% (I live in TN). Today while I was at work (I worked 5 hours & made sure humidity was correct before I left) the humidity dropped to my house's level. I came home & it was at 31%. I made changes immediately, but it appears I have a chick who pipped, but failed to zip. As the membrane looks a little white for my liking. I have another that has just pipped, one that hasn't yet, & 6 almost dry-dry chicks in there with it. Whats concerning is theres only a hole in the membrane about the size of a pen head for the chick to get air. Along the zip line, it has knocked exterior shell off, but didn't break through membrane.
What would you do? I have a lot of money in these guys (Dorkings) & I don't want to lose it due to my mistakes.
Thanks so much!!!!
