nerves taking over

[cmom]

Quote:
Do what works best for you. In the beginning I had some pretty sad hatches. I experimented with the humidity and had heard so much positive feedback about the dry method that I decided to do it and now I have had several 100% hatches and others at least 90% + hatches. I didn't think it was possible until it happened. I keep the humidity around 35% during incubation and 70% to 75% during lockdown. You just have to experiment and see what works best for you.

 

[rancher hicks]

Well first of all , I offer a copy of an article from PP mag on hatching. Just send me your e-mail address and I 'll send it on. I followed the humidity scale and it worked good for me. You kinda have to develop your own technique.

Second I candle on day 14 and if all is well leave them.

Third , don't freak if your temp goes up over 99.5. A temp of 101-101.5 is not big deal. After all when a broody gets off to do her business the eggs do cool down so don't panic.

Now all eggs DO NOT hatch on day 21. I've had eggs hatch days early and days late. My last hatch was over 4 or 5 days. I've had to snatch chicks who were at their third day and leave the rest to finish.

You just have to get the hang of it.

I wish you well,

Rancher

 

[MamaMarcy]

It should be around 55-65 for lockdown? (humidity)

 

[loupan]

I candled on day 13 and saw chick moving round but then the next couple of times nothing which freaked me out to be honest but now i have realised what will be will be nothing more i can do everytime i candle to try and see any movement i just get real stressed and depressed so im gonna leave it now and concentrate on keeping humidity and temps good and pray that something hatches ,as i say this is my very first time so wouldnt be to surprised if nothing happens its just so sad when you watched it for so many days alive and kicking

(lockdown in couple of days )

 

[cmom]

They have to rest too so don't be to discouraged. Sometimes you may not see any movement. I marked some eggs I didn't see any movement in and thought they were quitter and to my surprise they hatched. Keep the faith...

 

[loupan]

thanks for your support everyone on here rocks i wish i had joined before i started i may have had more luck

 

[gladangel]

I wanted to follow up with the progress so far. I have had 6 come out of the shell and 2 working on it. They are drying out ok and I find the chicks go to the light by themselves for the warmth & to dry. The first one that piped last night has had no progress since the pip, but I can see in the shell that it is still alive. I realize that I put the eggs in 21 days ago tonight and that I counted tomorrow as the 1st day so I wont worry about them until the end of the week. I still have 19 left to hatch out. Some have piped already and some have nothing yet. Keeping my fingers crossed for them all to hatch out. I haven't gotten anything done today, just watching my peeps pop out!

 

[gladangel]

I did have to help one out of the shell just now. it looked like it was drying off half way out and was stuck. However there is a little membrane stuck on it. What should I do about that? The wing was dried to its head and I gently pulled it loose. It looks tired out from that experience but I think it should be ok. I hope!
What would cause it to get stuck and dry out in the shell? Low humidity? I'll add something.

 

[jherrin]

they say it will dry up and fall off on its own if its wet and you pull it off there's a chance it could bleed to death

 

[gladangel]

Ok enough said, it seems to be drying ok. I am wondering how long I should wait before I assist? I have one that peeped last night but no progress since and I think it may be getting dry in the shell. What should I do?