More questions I than answers

[dekel18042]

Thanks the reason I am concerned is that I am only getting less than half to hatch they die in shell at almost time to hatch I have checked the eggs and the chicks are like mommies all dried out my humidity usually stays around 50 percent then up to 65 70 percent

The symptoms do sound like low humidity although the readings you say seem they should be in the normal range. Could your readings be off? Could it spike then dip too low? I've noticed as I'm getting pips the humidity will spike then depending how long hatching takes, it can dip again.
Just wondered if it could be something on your incubator with readings Has anyone else hatched your eggs in a different incubator? Their results would be interesting.

 

[chickens really]

Thanks the reason I am concerned is that I am only getting less than half to hatch they die in shell at almost time to hatch I have checked the eggs and the chicks are like mommies all dried out my humidity usually stays around 50 percent then up to 65 70 percent

Ask @WVduckchick.

Seriously she can help you out.....Amazing info......



Cheers!

 

[WVduckchick]

Ask @WVduckchick.

Seriously she can help you out.....Amazing info......



Cheers!

Thanks! I didn't get notification of this tag for some reason...

.Quote:

x2! Exact process I follow.

Thanks the reason I am concerned is that I am only getting less than half to hatch they die in shell at almost time to hatch I have checked the eggs and the chicks are like mommies all dried out my humidity usually stays around 50 percent then up to 65 70 percent

My first thought is are your meters accurate? But really, there is NO Magic Humidity Number! Everyone's conditions are different.

Also, how are the parents? Healthy? Do the ones that do hatch seem healthy? Egg shell condition makes a big difference. Local humidity levels come into play also.

How soon after the hatch is "over" are you opening the eggs and finding them dried out? They will actually start to dry out as soon as the chick dies, so if they die on day 20, and you don't open the egg till day 22-23-24, its going to be dry, when it may have been very wet when the chick died.

I would suggest you start incubating with NO water in your incubator. Ambient humidity usually will provide enough. Candle on day 6 or 7 and look at the air cells (check them at set time also). If they are too big, add a little water (maybe just a wet sponge in a shallow dish), and go from there.