Lockdown in 2 days

[northernchic]

I would do the same. Hubby thought I was crazy. Then when I get in there I will talk to them while I am turning and rotating them. I even will cup them like I am hugging them.

48 hrs. 2 days and I should have know my results whether they are good or bad. Until then a sign would be nice.


Having a hard time keeping humidity up. Sponge dried out around 3 a.m. so I added some water to it and humidity went from 50% to 63%. I think if I don't want to compromise the hatch I have to decide if I just leave it at 50% when it goes back down vs opening it to water the sponge 2-3 times a day.
My room must be really dry between the house heater and the radiant heater that's in the room to stablize temps. (Since our heat is set at 67* during the day and 60* at night.)

I did add a pot of boiling water in the room this morning.

 

[Acornewell]

cant remember...did you say you were able to partially close the vent?

 

[northernchic]

cant remember...did you say you were able to partially close the vent?

I added a papertowel to the water wells to act as a wick. It's holding at 57% humidity right now. And yes. I currently have the vent half way opened.

 

[scflock]

48 hrs. 2 days and I should have know my results whether they are good or bad. Until then a sign would be nice.


Having a hard time keeping humidity up. Sponge dried out around 3 a.m. so I added some water to it and humidity went from 50% to 63%. I think if I don't want to compromise the hatch I have to decide if I just leave it at 50% when it goes back down vs opening it to water the sponge 2-3 times a day.
My room must be really dry between the house heater and the radiant heater that's in the room to stablize temps. (Since our heat is set at 67* during the day and 60* at night.)

I did add a pot of boiling water in the room this morning.

I am in the middle of my first hatch with the Octagon 20. I was also having problems keeping humidity up. It's probably too late now, but next time try the paper towel method I read about in another thread. I could only maintain 42% humidity with both water wells full for the first 18 days. On lockdown, I took out the tray and placed a paper towel under it where it dropped into the wells and wicked the water. I topped of the wells again, then went into lockdown. Humidity was up to 65% in ten minutes, and was easily maintained at 65-67% with the vent half open. It climbed to 75% once the eggs started hatching.
My first hatch was 16 hours after the first pip, but last night the show started. I locked down 22, 12 were staring at me this morning, and the others were well on their way.
Good luck!

 

[scflock]

I added a papertowel to the water wells to act as a wick. It's holding at 57% humidity right now. And yes. I currently have the vent half way opened.

You can drop to 1/3 open and still have plenty of air flow. That would probably push you over 60%. I was worried that mine may drop too low at 21 days, but once the hatch started it stayed at 75%. Chicks were easily able to free themselves from the eggs. I love this incubator

 

[Purpletie3]

Good job sc! As soon as they start coming out of the shell it will spike that humidity right up but it's temporary if they aren't hatching right along.

You are prob right about your humidity in the house. I would still be inclined to buy a humidifier and try and treat the surrounding air too.

I wonder if something like a sham wow could hold moisture for 5 days. That's really what we are asking a sponge to do.

I am really happy with my brinsea products though. I have been investing in them since I started hatching last year. It's all a matter of learning how to make your product work for you in your home and locale.

I tried the dry hatch...almost killed them all. Just didn't work for my locale and incubator...yet it works for most!

I think you will be fine! Try and enjoy the process. It gets better...I promise!

What are you trying to hatch anyhow?

 

[northernchic]

Good job sc! As soon as they start coming out of the shell it will spike that humidity right up but it's temporary if they aren't hatching right along.

You are prob right about your humidity in the house. I would still be inclined to buy a humidifier and try and treat the surrounding air too.

I wonder if something like a sham wow could hold moisture for 5 days. That's really what we are asking a sponge to do.

I am really happy with my brinsea products though. I have been investing in them since I started hatching last year. It's all a matter of learning how to make your product work for you in your home and locale.

I tried the dry hatch...almost killed them all. Just didn't work for my locale and incubator...yet it works for most!

I think you will be fine! Try and enjoy the process. It gets better...I promise!

What are you trying to hatch anyhow?

EE's and some Wyandotte EE crosses.

 

[Purpletie3]

Nice. I have EE in my flock. 4 months old now. Beautiful birds and I just ordered more eggs!!!

Do you have any other birds?

 

[northernchic]

Nice. I have EE in my flock. 4 months old now. Beautiful birds and I just ordered more eggs!!!

Do you have any other birds?

Does a cockatiel count? Lol! I have 7 EE hens and 3 Wyandotte hens. I just made an order from cackle for a few diff breeds. My husband is gonna ban me from chicken websites if I don't watch myself!

 

[Acornewell]

My husband went with me when I picked up my 3 Black Cochins...Probably so I wouldn't come home with more than 3. However she had 6 baby chicks that were Quail Bearded D'anver Bantams. HE FELL IN LOVE! I really didn't want to raise chicks at that moment as I had some getting ready to join the big coop...I told him that these would be "his" birds. Almost like I was telling a child he has to walk, feed, and train his puppy! I thought it was something he would get bored of when he would have to wake up and care for these...but he loves them. He calls it his 6 pack. There are 2 Females and 4 Males. They are the funniest bunch. Very friendly. Maybe that is the way to get husband on board with our obsessions...get them a 6 back! LOL