Nervous!!! Could I have killed them?

[justtoni44]

I have been told opening the inc during lockdown can mess up the humdity.........
My advise is just let them be and check your humidity.............
Also, I have had day 25 hatches..
Good Luck

 

[youngjedi32002]

I won't lose hope! I really want them to make it! Positive thoughts, positive thoughts......

 

[youngjedi32002]

The humidity is doing very well. I couldn't help myself that one time. It was only a corner and there is moisture inside, I can see it. It isn't wet, exactly, but there is moisture! I am just hoping and praying! A day 25 hatch? That gives me more hope! Thank you so much!

 

[RachaelS]

Don't lose hope!!!! I did and ended up killing one, made me so sick. I waited until day 24, but should have waited for day 25.

 

[Silkie horsechick]

I had 6 of 12 hatch on day 21.
Did the "float test" on the remaining 10 this p.m.
All looked good and 2 were rocking and rolling.

I replenished the water and vow to NOT OPEN AGAIN.

(the first 6 I had to help out - every one of them.)
first one died and second one almost did.
I believe they were shrink wrapping from humidity issues.

Can't believe I may have a chance with some more of the eggs.
I know 2 are alive for sure. !

(Silkie eggs by the way)

 

[youngjedi32002]

That is great! I may resort to the float test over the weekend, if nothing happens! I did the tap test right before lockdown and they all tapped back! I thought I was just crazy but my husband heard them too! I just hope something happens soon! This waiting is the worst!!!

 

[chickenfeverforever]

Do you not have a hygrometer to check your humidity? I was using a still air incubator and only 6 made it to Lockdown and none hatched. I waited till day 25. Nothing. Mine were either already dead or under developed. It was sad. I am on my second bath right now. I am at the end of day 22 and I have 3 pips but no zips yet so already its going better in my new incubator.

 

[wpalmisano]

Those little school kid incubators are worthless. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that the success of your hatch is directly proportional to the incubator you use. I own a GQF SPORTSMAN 1502 with the digital command center. I realize in this economy, they cost an outrageous amount of money, but I had to gulp hard and do it. It is just about idiot proof, which is good for me. They only issue I have is to remember to put water in it. It is so well controlled, that if the humidity drops during a hatch, the internal egg membranes will shrink wrap the hatching chicks. I think they have an even newer model this year with plastic construction, no wood. If you really love this thing, and I do, you should consider buying a little better incubator. There some used ones out there, and a still air styrofoam job costs less than 100.00. I picked up an old brower incubator on ebay, still in the box from Montgomery Ward, including shipping, for under 80.00. Works eggsellent. Pic below. Anyway, I was just offering my take on it, hope I haven't offended anyone. I just know that sinking feeling on day 22, when there are no signs of life.

 

[youngjedi32002]

I agree with you, and what you say is true. We already have 4 hens and my son wanted to hatch some eggs so he could have his own (and he is earning a Cub Scout patch) so we got him one of these for his birthday. We definitely can't afford to invest in an actual incubator but that lack is certainly not bringing my son any closer to understanding the process and learning anything! I just can't justify spending a lot to get 2 hens for my boy! My dream is to move to a larger place and have a large coop and then I will invest, when I am hatching a dozen at a time! I dunno. This incubator kept it's temperature very even and very consistent. I only had to fill the water once and it always had moisture on the inside of the cover. I will let them go for the weekend. I may end up doing a water test if there is nothing by Monday. I also may end up buying chicks from my local farm for my son until we can properly invest! Still, stay tuned. I will update!

 

[youngjedi32002]

Here we are, day 23 and nothing. I am only holding out my last shred of hope on the folks who have written that they didn't get hatches until day 25! I really want to join that club!!! Anyone think I should candle them tonight or do a float test? Or should I just leave them be and pray? Reading the posts here at BYC is keeping me busy! My first desire is to fuss with them but I know I should leave them be! Ah, well, I have never done this before, I really hoped I would get something but was hoping at least a couple would make it! Keeping fingers crossed.....