need advice and tips on incubator please

[eestep8]

Hello
I am so upset, frustrated, and disappointed!

I have set 3 batches of eggs, and with all of them a very low % hatch. They seem to do great until the last few days/week, then quit.

I have an LG still air, it sits on the kitchen counter on the other side of the room from the oven so that doesn't affect it. It is not in direct sunlight. The temp fluctuates 1 or 2 degrees up or down, but nothing big. I am using an automatic turner. The temp next to the turner motor is lower than it is on the other side of the bator.

Should I move it to the pantry next time? Since some say to put it in the closet. Should I cover it with a towel to insulate it better? Shoul I buy and install a pc fan? Any other ideas.

I am getting more eggs next week, so I need to know what to do asap.

Thanks

 

[FrenchHen]

A pc fan might be a good place to start. HOw does the temp and humidity do?

 

[NancyP]

Do you have any vent holes open at hatching time?

 

[eestep8]

The temp stays between 100-103 and I leave 1 red plug out the whole time.

 

[eestep8]

I forgot, humidity stays in the low 30's, without adding water. Thne we add water for the last 3 days and it goes up to the low 40s.

 

[eestep8]

sorry double post

 

[FrenchHen]

I think the humidity should be around 50-60% for the first 18 days, then up to 70-80% after that. Check the stickies at the top of this thread's index, and you'll find better information than I can give you.

 

[eestep8]

I have been reading that some people here run it that low, I think I may go back to what I did the first time and keep it higher. It was around 50% the first 18 days.


Forgot something else...I have been having chicks hatch on day 20, this time 2 had broken their aircell on day 18.

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
They'll do that with a lil bit higher temps (up to 103) like you posted earlier on the temp swings.

 

[lovin'mychicks]

Quote:
They'll do that with a lil bit higher temps (up to 103) like you posted earlier on the temp swings.

Yes, in my experience, if the temp is too high they will hatch, or try to hatch, early. Also, I run a dry hatch because I live in a humid climate, but make sure the humidity is high enough (70 is what I go for) on the last 2 days when you stop turning the eggs. If it is too dry, they cannot get out of the shell/membrane and they will quit.

Are your eggs piping or just stopping before they begin to pip?

Are you candling or handing the eggs much in the last few days?