Every time I think I have a handle on incubating, a new "factor" arises. I finally got temp and humidity to be stable throughout my styrofoam incubator. I have an automatic egg turner and a fan (actually I have 2 fans).
Well, this last batch, I managed to get 2 into lockdown, and previously I had been able to have them stand up in lockdown, but can't anymore. So I put them on their sides... no biggie, right? Well they're both dead today, end of day 18. UGH!!!! I will wait and give them a chance, but I have one of the most high powered flashlights ever. If something moves, I know it. If something breathes, I know it.
I've got 5 more that are on day 12 and are going strong, so let's hope they continue. Someday I'll master this.
On a side note, my first batch of eggs I ever incubated were a leghorn delaware mix that I lost power during (in August.. go figure... kootenai electric equipment failure). I put them outside since it was suppose to get to 90 that day. My secondary thermometer was maxed out at 120 when my husband rushed them back inside and opened them up for a bit. Managed to hatch out 5 out of 12 (4 boys, 1 girl... I've heard that boys survive higher temperatures more than females during incubation). Well, 2 of those boys are in the freezer, and the other two are already eaten (yummy!). But, Dolly (dalmation, just feminized) laid her first egg today!!!!
I'll edit and add a photo. I'm super excited because this is the first time I've hatched one and had it lay an egg. All the other laying hens I've purchased.
Hers is the top one
Well, this last batch, I managed to get 2 into lockdown, and previously I had been able to have them stand up in lockdown, but can't anymore. So I put them on their sides... no biggie, right? Well they're both dead today, end of day 18. UGH!!!! I will wait and give them a chance, but I have one of the most high powered flashlights ever. If something moves, I know it. If something breathes, I know it.
I've got 5 more that are on day 12 and are going strong, so let's hope they continue. Someday I'll master this.
On a side note, my first batch of eggs I ever incubated were a leghorn delaware mix that I lost power during (in August.. go figure... kootenai electric equipment failure). I put them outside since it was suppose to get to 90 that day. My secondary thermometer was maxed out at 120 when my husband rushed them back inside and opened them up for a bit. Managed to hatch out 5 out of 12 (4 boys, 1 girl... I've heard that boys survive higher temperatures more than females during incubation). Well, 2 of those boys are in the freezer, and the other two are already eaten (yummy!). But, Dolly (dalmation, just feminized) laid her first egg today!!!!
I'll edit and add a photo. I'm super excited because this is the first time I've hatched one and had it lay an egg. All the other laying hens I've purchased.
Hers is the top one
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The only ones they didn't get are my mama and her 3 babies because they were in a separate room. My heart is breaking...I just can't believe it.
