New here & worried about my eggs

[Chickaletta89]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. Incubators have a learning curve in my view.

Agree 100%. This was my first time hatching and was a very poor attempt. Really hope I didn’t cause those other chicks to die through ignorance though

 

[janiedoe]

Just to update, I turned off the incubator today, day 25. Eggs had no movement and one had a horrific smell. I opened the eggs up carefully from the air cell side just in case, and all chicks were gone to heaven 6 were well developed, had their baby downy feathers, some dark colours, some light. None had pipped the inner membrane and the yolks had not been absorbed. Membranes were not dried out, I just don’t know what happened. So sad seeing perfect little chicks gone with no apparent reason. Incubator seemed to have done its job but we didn’t make the final hurdle.

Gonna count ourselves lucky we have our one little chick. We only did this because we had planned on getting chickens (totally new to us!) and I thought it would be even better if we hatched them ourselves. At least we had the experience with one precious little baby and I’m collecting 3 more tomorrow from the breeder. Cannot wait!!!!

I would not use that incubator again without testing the humidity and the temperature. Even though the incubator "worked" to incubate, it did not do its job in the final stretch.

I do not think it was your fault. Temperature fluctuate and lower humidity can cause chicks to be week and die before hatching.
A good incubator is worth its weight in gold. It's the next best thing to a broody hen.

 

[janiedoe]

Agree 100%. This was my first time hatching and was a very poor attempt. Really hope I didn’t cause those other chicks to die through ignorance though

Again it is not your fault. I am so sorry for your losses.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Welcome to BYC! This has been quite a journey for you. I'm sorry it has been disappointing, but you have learned a lot - not least that there is a mighty crew here of experienced and caring people here to help you, every step of the way. Better luck next time, for sure!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oh and - greetings from SE Missouri, middle of USA!

 

[N F C]

Just to update, I turned off the incubator today, day 25. Eggs had no movement and one had a horrific smell. I opened the eggs up carefully from the air cell side just in case, and all chicks were gone to heaven 6 were well developed, had their baby downy feathers, some dark colours, some light. None had pipped the inner membrane and the yolks had not been absorbed. Membranes were not dried out, I just don’t know what happened. So sad seeing perfect little chicks gone with no apparent reason. Incubator seemed to have done its job but we didn’t make the final hurdle.

Gonna count ourselves lucky we have our one little chick. We only did this because we had planned on getting chickens (totally new to us!) and I thought it would be even better if we hatched them ourselves. At least we had the experience with one precious little baby and I’m collecting 3 more tomorrow from the breeder. Cannot wait!!!!

Hope things work out better for you next time.

 

[junipercloud113420]

welcome to the flock! I hope your eggs hatch soon

 

[Chickaletta89]

So the breeder gave me 3 little chicks to join my little one. I think she’s shocked at the moment and is running around looking semi- frightened but also confrontational hopefully she’ll simmer down and they’ll all be good friends would this be normal for a first introduction. She’s 4 days old today and has never seen another chick until now

 

[N F C]

So the breeder gave me 3 little chicks to join my little one. I think she’s shocked at the moment and is running around looking semi- frightened but also confrontational hopefully she’ll simmer down and they’ll all be good friends would this be normal for a first introduction. She’s 4 days old today and has never seen another chick until now

In general, chickens don't like change but with all of yours being approximately the same size and age, I would guess they would eventually calm down.

 

[DobieLover]

So the breeder gave me 3 little chicks to join my little one. I think she’s shocked at the moment and is running around looking semi- frightened but also confrontational hopefully she’ll simmer down and they’ll all be good friends would this be normal for a first introduction. She’s 4 days old today and has never seen another chick until now

She'll be fine.
How large is your brooder? Can you take a picture of it showing the entire size?