Hi there,
I have been raising chickens for a little over a year, with some wonderful memories and some horrific ones too. I never knew raccoons ate chickens...living in the country...I am learning.
My newest venture is into Malaysian Bantam chickens. I have a roo who I call "Sir Struts alot" as he is very proud of himself. I could not find any hens anywhere that I could afford. Sooooo, I decided to venture into hatching fertilized eggs...I have 15 coming SOON, and after reading everything on the internet and then finding BYC, I am thoroughly confused. (Which my husband assures me is a normal state of being for me...something about blond hair)...anyhoo, I would appreciate anyone who could answer some questions about incubating.
1. I live in Northern Florida where the "humudity" is like mud...been here 23 years and still take 2-3 showers a day. So, what should the humidity be for Serama eggs? For the first 18 days of incubation, keep the humidity at about 45-50%. Then, during the last 3 days or so (Seramas often hatch early, at least that I've heard), get the humidity up to 65-70%.
2. Temperature? Depends on the incubator. "Forced Air" (with a fan to circulate air) incubators should be kept at 99.5 degrees Farhenheit for the entire incubation. "Still Air" (with no fan) incubators should be kept at about 100-101 degrees Farhenheit for the entire incubation. Its all right if the temp fluctuates a little, but you don't want it much below 98 or above 103.
3. What is "lockdown". I've read that several times...also candling...I cannot see thru the shells...is there a trick that I don't know??? Lockdown is what you do the last 2-3 days of incubation: increase the humidity, stop turning, and leave the eggs completely alone. The incubator and the eggs in it should become like a locked box--don't disturb them, as the chicks are getting ready to hatch. I don't have any candling suggestions, other than get a brighter flashlight.
I've tried flashlights, candles(yes, I did!!) and nothing lets me in!!!
Any one out there got any answers for me???? It will be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you for reading!!
Patti
