Jap quail hatch survival rate

[stitzi]

Last year we had a 98% hatch rate for 17 jap quail eggs but only one survived past 5days. We did a lot of research and have a pretty good idea where we went wrong. This year we have 15 eggs which are starting hatch today. 3 are out more are moving. Due to our previous luck I'm feeling a bit apprehensive so would anyone have any tips that might help.
We have a inflated heat light in an insulated box brooder which holds at 37 Celsius. Wood chip base. Chicks are watched closely until we are sure they are eating and drinking independently. Water bowl is shallow with marbles and feeding game crumbs crushed a little finer to prevent choking.
L

 

[007Sean]

Last year we had a 98% hatch rate for 17 jap quail eggs but only one survived past 5days. We did a lot of research and have a pretty good idea where we went wrong. This year we have 15 eggs which are starting hatch today. 3 are out more are moving. Due to our previous luck I'm feeling a bit apprehensive so would anyone have any tips that might help.
We have a inflated heat light in an insulated box brooder which holds at 37 Celsius. Wood chip base. Chicks are watched closely until we are sure they are eating and drinking independently. Water bowl is shallow with marbles and feeding game crumbs crushed a little finer to prevent choking.
L

Sounds good, just keep what your doing. Raise the heat lamp each week to decrease the temperature by 5deg. till there 6 to 7 weeks old. They should be able to handle ambient temperatures by that time.

 

[DenverQuail]

Make sure your brooder has a warmer side and a cooler side--I lost a couple of chicks to overheating on an especially hot day when they couldn't get away from the heat lamp. Pay close attention to see if they're all huddled up together under the light (too cold) or spread out on the far edges of the brooder (too hot). Otherwise, it sounds like you're all ready. Good luck!