Left vent open entire incubation period - dry hatching

[sccoastchicks]

This is only my second time hatching. I used the dry hatching method the first time around and had good results. The first time around the humidity stayed around 25-30% (this was during spring which is less humid for us). This time the humidity was 30-31% the whole time. Went into lockdown last night and I just realized the vent was fully open the entire time. Is there anything I should expect/watch out for?

 

[cavemanrich]

Using an incubator, and maintaining certain humidity percentages is an improved way to increase hatching rates. BTW,,, most peeps agree, on the temperature,,,,, but the opinions on HUMIDITY (%) are not so closely accepted.
So that leads us back to,,,,,,,, Broody chickens do not use any added humidity, just what is in the air.
And I'm not posting this to start a debate, over Shrink wrapped chicks.
Wishing you a successful hatch.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Ch1cken Tender]

This is only my second time hatching. I used the dry hatching method the first time around and had good results. The first time around the humidity stayed around 25-30% (this was during spring which is less humid for us). This time the humidity was 30-31% the whole time. Went into lockdown last night and I just realized the vent was fully open the entire time. Is there anything I should expect/watch out for?

How has your hatch turned out?

 

[Tex452]

As long as the incubator maintained the right temperature I wouldn’t think you would have a problem?
I dry hatch also, and keep my vent about 1/4 of the way open, when pipping starts, I open it to 1/2 way, but a lot of people open it all the way?
My hatch rate is 93% after doing 2 batches.

 

[Ch1cken Tender]

As long as the incubator maintained the right temperature I wouldn’t think you would have a problem?
I dry hatch also, and keep my vent about 1/4 of the way open, when pipping starts, I open it to 1/2 way, but a lot of people open it all the way?
My hatch rate is 93% after doing 2 batches.

That’s good to hear! I’m attempting a dry hatch, and I’m crossing my fingers that my ambient humidity is suitable enough for the eggs. What is the ambient humidity where you live like, if you don’t mind my asking?

 

[Tex452]

Humidity has been getting up to 100% at night and 50-70% during the day.

 

[Tex452]

That’s good to hear! I’m attempting a dry hatch, and I’m crossing my fingers that my ambient humidity is suitable enough for the eggs. What is the ambient humidity where you live like, if you don’t mind my asking?

I put more eggs on lockdown last night that I got from my cousin, only 11 out of 22 were fertile, I thought it would be better because he has lots of roosters, my son thinks he has too many?

 

[Ch1cken Tender]

I put more eggs on lockdown last night that I got from my cousin, only 11 out of 22 were fertile, I thought it would be better because he has lots of roosters, my son thinks he has too many?

That’s an interesting idea… I’ve never heard of there being so many roosters that fertility goes down. Perhaps, it’s seasonal? I’ve had an issue with eggs that I bought from a breeder being fertile. It looks as though only five of thirteen eggs were fertile!

Have you gotten any early hatches from your eggs thus far?

 

[Tex452]

That’s an interesting idea… I’ve never heard of there being so many roosters that fertility goes down. Perhaps, it’s seasonal? I’ve had an issue with eggs that I bought from a breeder being fertile. It looks as though only five of thirteen eggs were fertile!

Have you gotten any early hatches from your eggs thus far?

None so far.
My son thinks the roosters are knocking one another off, not getting a chance to breed the hens?
I guess it’s a possibility, because I thought for sure these eggs would be fertile.

 

[Ch1cken Tender]

None so far.
My son thinks the roosters are knocking one another off, not getting a chance to breed the hens?
I guess it’s a possibility, because I thought for sure these eggs would be fertile.

Ohh, that tracks. I have three roosters currently, and two of them keep each other in check constantly like that. I appreciate that the hens aren’t torn up, but I’m not so sure that I’ll be getting many or any viable eggs from my flock as is.

Good luck with the chick hatching! Perhaps, you could post some pictures when they hatch?