new here and need help, eggs chirp but then don't hatch :(

[farmin'chick]

All those tips sound great -- check ventilation. On the LG you can remove 1 plug at the beginning, and sometimes you need to remove 2 to control the humidity in the last 3 days on lockdown. You know to stop turning the eggs on the last 3 days, and bump the humidity up to around 60%. I throw a thick towel over my LG during the whole process, which seems to help stabilize both temp and humidity.

ETA:

 

[shiloh04]

I haven't had issues keeping the humidity stable, as I just keep the water channels filled. I will try only filling the small ones next time. I also took out both red plugs.

The membranes on these eggs do seem very thick. I made little holes in the shells of the eggs that are almost due, just to allow for a bit more air movement. One chick seemed to be struggling to get out this morning, so I helped it, and then it died. There are two more eggs dues in the next couple days, and then two more due a couple days after that.

The chick that died this morning was just packed in his shell. I really don't see how they move around in there at all. The two that are due soon are much smaller.

The ones I have heard chirping have only chirped briefly. So it fits with the theory that they are drowning. They chirp a couple times, inhale fluid, and die.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Are you measuring the humidity? If I kept all the channels filled the humidity would be off the charts and all my chicks would drown. Also are you opening and closely the bator those last 3 days?

 

[shiloh04]

With the three channels filled, the humidity stays around 50%. I am going to calibrate the thingy to make sure it is accurate.

I am opening the incubator a couple times a day during the last 3 days to rotate the other eggs, but the temp and humidity don't seem to drop much or for long.

This is the last time I am going to just put eggs in there as they are laid though. Next time I am putting them all in on the same day.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
That is possibly at least part of the problem ... opening the bator those last days. With the increased humidity for the hatch, what about the ones still in incubation? They, too, are getting the extra moisture ... correct? If so, YES, I would say they are drowning.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I can't run mine at 50% humidity.....I'll end up with drowned chicks. 30-35% is what works best for me. A staggered hatch is probably a big part of your problem too.