Losses throughout incubation shipped eggs

[Glendaroost]

Hi everyone, I started with 24 eggs (all bantam orpingtons and LF orpingtons) in my brinsea ovation 28 advance. All eggs were shipped, variable packing quality (6 were pretty wobbly in their box so I assume scrambled). Initially 20 of them appeared to be developing well, up until about day 8 to 10 where 6 developed blood rings. I then had another 4 get to day 15 and quit. Now the eggs are on day 18 and the remaining 10 are either pretty sluggish when candled and there is one which appears to be dead. Humidity has been around 30% up to now and the eggs had been weighed regularly and all on track with their weight loss and air cells, which seemed OK considering their journeys through the postal system. Temp has been at 37.5C and I have a thermometer and hygrometer to verify my readings in addition to the incubator itself. I started turning on day 2 to let the eggs settle after posting and turning has been stopped on day 18. What have I done wrong to have these poor results? I have a had feeling about the remaining eggs and am feeling disappointed at this stage as I felt I was going about things in a sensible manner. Any insight appreciated

 

[ChickenWhisperer101]

It’s most likely the eggs or from shipping

 

[PRchick]

I have come to the conclusion that for shipped eggs, to begin with, the quality of the eggs has to be good for a good hatch rate. Then, how they are packaged, how they are handled and how long they take to go through the postal system also affects the hatch rate. If the eggs are good quality and fertilized, well packaged, and they have a short and uneventful trip you can have hatch rates of up to 100%. If any of these variables are less than optimal, your hatch rates start to decrease. The incubation conditions also have to be optimal. However, even under optimal incubation conditions, if the other variables are messed up, you will not have a good hatch rate.

 

[Glendaroost]

Thank you. I would say I've had the best results from the ones which had the best packaging and shortest transit time so it makes sense. Just a shame, it's difficult not to blame yourself in these situations!