Ok, I have become addicted, try #2...

[cvstable]

After my first attempt at incubation (5 out of 22 made it), I am going for round 2. I ordered 6 lavender Orps and 6 black. This time I am letting the eggs rest for 24 hours big side up. I want to attempt the dry method this go round. I understand 20-25% humidity is OK until day 18? Vent plug is out, leave and candle until day 7? I have been using a LED light, any other suggestions???

 

[JDchicks]

Chicken are so addicting.

I was not sure how experienced you were with chickens in general, But thought, I would add the below link. It gives tips to working with shipped eggs. May help your ratio to hatch.

This link (towards the bottom) has a section on shipped eggs https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

Unfortunately, I have not tried a dry hatch before. So not sure what to tell you there. But here is a link for them.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-incubate-hatch-eggs-using-the-dry-incubation-method

And lastly, there are a bunch of us incubating eggs now if you would like to join us.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/846539/jan-feb-2014-hatch-a-long/460#post_12637198

 

[rayray983]

I'm dry hatching right now and so far what I've read humidity should be between 25 to 35% both red plugs are out and monitor air cell at day 7 14 and 18 mines staying steady at 30% only had to add a spoon full of water once and I use the flashlight app on my phone to candle eggs so far I'm on day 14 and 45 out of 47 eggs are right on track one egg I dropped and one egg was infertile hope this helps you I did a lot of research before I decided to dry hatch and this is my first time incubating at all hope this helps

 

[cvstable]

Thanks guys, never thought about using the flashlight app on the phone, great idea. Just put the eggs in the incubator this morning before work, will see how it goes!

 

[JDchicks]

Good Luck!

 

[Farmer Viola]

After my first attempt at incubation (5 out of 22 made it), I am going for round 2. I ordered 6 lavender Orps and 6 black. This time I am letting the eggs rest for 24 hours big side up. I want to attempt the dry method this go round. I understand 20-25% humidity is OK until day 18? Vent plug is out, leave and candle until day 7? I have been using a LED light, any other suggestions???

Dry incubation method link is in my signature... short version is:

Day 1-18: 25-45% add no water, rely on egg evaporation to create humidity; only add a tsp of water if it dips below 25%

First pip: increase humidity to 55-65% - some people increase humidity on day 19 regardless of pips but I prefer to wait until pips happen

forced air: 99.5F
still air: 101F

 

[cvstable]

Thanks for all the great info! Everyone is so helpful on this site