Newbie - just got an incubator, have questions, HELP!

[HickoryHollow]

This is day 15 of my first hatch. I have kept it simple....trust me, there is still stress! lol

 

[realtreegirl]

I put a wet wash rag in for lockdown and it works great and if I need to re wet the rag I use a straw there on of the plug holes with a syringe. Works great and I don't have to open the lid. I get my temps 99.5 to 100 and my humidity between 30 and 40 % for first 18 days and raise to 65% at lockdown and I had 10 out 11 hatch. The only one that didn't was a cross beak and I don't think it could pip the shell. Watch your air sacs and you will know if you need to adjust your humidity.

I came on here and read and read and asked questions and it let to a great hatch rate these people are great teachers and awesome helpers Good luck and have fun!!!!!

 

[realtreegirl]

Also I keep one plug in for first 18 days at lock down I put both plugs in and when they start to hatch I removed both plugs

 

[sdm111]

I skimmed through the sticky, good information but a lot to process if I were new. Just remember hens aren't perfect computerized robots and an egg will hatch with variables as long as their not too far off. I have seem my hens off of eggs for hours tromping through the muddy water that they must be addicted to then flop back on the nest and hatch out some of the most vigerous healthy chicks I could only wish for from an incubator

 

[sdm111]

Thanks realtreegirl there's another way that worked for her. It's not all set in stone just what works for u

 

[RobinFarmGirl]

Thank you all so much for the wonderful information!

 

[RobinFarmGirl]

Realtreegirl, Could you explain a little further about the air sacs and what to look for that will tell me if I need to adjust the humidity?

Thank you!

 

[realtreegirl]

If the air sacs are getting to big to fast you need to increase the humidity and if they are to small decreasethe humidity to avoid the chick drowning when it pips. there are some nice pics to show the average rate of grow of the air sac at 7, 14 and 18 days. I highly recommend you gat a humidity reader. I also have the FI 4200 land the built in one is off big time. Mine reads 20% higher than it is. Keep us updated on your hatch! I am hatching shipped silkies right now...due on the 21st. First time with shipped eggs...so I am learning as I go!

 

[sdm111]

Usually I'm the shipper but wanted some asil and not knowing any local breeders I had some shipped as well, I'll have to see how it goes.

 

[RobinFarmGirl]

Thanks! Much appreciated... Would love to see pictures when anyone has some to post (of their incubation successes!)

Robin