Low hatch rates, shrink wrapping and unabsorbed yolks

[BelovedBirds]

It was Day 29 and we didn’t want them to die in the shell. We suspected shrink wrapping since none had pipped and the chicks (in a separate incubator) were and we’d never had that happen.

We had to help every single one, attempted to just let some stay in, we got 2 weak survivors.

Since it was day 29 (assuming mallard type?) and the yolks were not absorbed, do you have reliable thermometers in the incubator, or go go by the temp that the machine says alone?
Humidity was a little high, which can slow the absorption of the yolk, I have heard-
But this also makes me question shrink wrapping- it is very very rare for this to happen without any external pip.

 

[BelovedBirds]

It was Day 29 and we didn’t want them to die in the shell. We suspected shrink wrapping since none had pipped and the chicks (in a separate incubator) were and we’d never had that happen.

We had to help every single one, attempted to just let some stay in, we got 2 weak survivors.

Glad to hear a couple survived

 

[Our Nook of the Woods]

Since it was day 29 (assuming mallard type?) and the yolks were not absorbed, do you have reliable thermometers in the incubator, or go go by the temp that the machine says alone?
Humidity was a little high, which can slow the absorption of the yolk, I have heard-
But this also makes me question shrink wrapping- it is very very rare for this to happen without any external pip.

Silver Appleyards. And yes, as Iwe have already checked

Since it was day 29 (assuming mallard type?) and the yolks were not absorbed, do you have reliable thermometers in the incubator, or go go by the temp that the machine says alone?
Humidity was a little high, which can slow the absorption of the yolk, I have heard-
But this also makes me question shrink wrapping- it is very very rare for this to happen without any external pip.

Theyre all Silver Appleyards.

We don’t rely on the digital displays… that’s what I meant when I said “we compare with external temperature and humidity monitoring.”

There’s no question about the shrink-wrapping, I’ve been doing this for years and never seen it like this. It was extreme.

 

[hysop]

I know you say you've been doing it for years with great hatch rates but for chicks that’s pretty high humidity for the Nurture Right 360.

If you attempt chicks again would you be able to lower the humidity?

Just because it has worked before doesn't mean there isn't room for change/improvement. If nothing else has changed and you're having this issue then it's time to look into improving your method, unless this was the only fluke and you're successful with the next one doing the same exact thing.

 

[Our Nook of the Woods]

I know you say you've been doing it for years with great hatch rates but for chicks that’s pretty high humidity for the Nurture Right 360.

If you attempt chicks again would you be able to lower the humidity?

Just because it has worked before doesn't mean there isn't room for change/improvement. If nothing else has changed and you're having this issue then it's time to look into improving your method, unless this was the only fluke and you're successful with the next one doing the same exact thing.

We focus mainly on ducks, so I’m not really as worried about the chicks. They at least all survived and I don’t plan on any more chicks this year.

I’ve heard of other larger hatcheries having similar issues this past year so I’m trying to understand what variables would be worth editing.

 

[hysop]

We focus mainly on ducks, so I’m not really as worried about the chicks. They at least all survived and I don’t plan on any more chicks this year.

I’ve heard of other larger hatcheries having similar issues this past year so I’m trying to understand what variables would be worth editing.

I see. When is your next batch due? I’m curious to see if it was a one time thing for you or if it happens again.

With nothing obvious changing then we'd have to look at the environment I would think. Like the air or water or something.

I remember with goats there was a season when I kept hearing a lot of people's goats were having premature underdeveloped kids (or technically miscarriages since they were dead).

 

[Mamawills]

Hi, following this thread as have had a similar problem with a duck hatch. Hope was your next hatch?