Lockdown~and I think I killed my eggs

[jkp11]

I made my own incubator and the temperature held really well for the first 18 days, but after that it went downhill. I've been having trouble with the temp being constant and all and I'm afraid something is going to be wrong with the chicks. They are still moving in the eggs, but can someone tell me what some of the things that could be wrong with them? Or if you want to offer encouragement that would be dandy too

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have no idea what you mean by having trouble keeping the temperature constant. How big are the temperature swings and how long do they last? Even during incubation a bit of a swing is not always a big deal. The core temperature of the eggs does not change anywhere nearly as fast as the air temperature. They have a different density. Many incubators run a half degree or more off anyway and the eggs still hatch fine. Average incubating temperature is what is important as long as the swings are not too severe and don't last too long.

When the eggs are in this stage, the chicks themselves will generate some heat. If they are still moving you have not killed them, so I suggest you stabilize the temperature as best you can and wait to see what happens. Off course it is better to have everything perfect, but many people are surprised at how tough those eggs can be.

 

[jkp11]

well its a homemade incubator so the way i cool off the eggs or make it hotter is by moving this flap of duck tape. but its been getting really hot outside and in my room so it screws with the temperature. it will be 99 degrees and then for a few minutes or so it will swing from as high as 102 to as low as 97 or 95. its not long but I'm really worried because its the last three days of incubation you know? So i borrowed a legit incubator (store bought) today and I'm going to switch them out. thank you so much for responding i really appreciate it )