OK so why did they get stuck??????????

[Katy]

Quote:
For incubating or hatching? It actually seems to vary from location to location (including altitude into the equation).

For my location about 30% for the first 18 days and then about 60% for the last 3 days gives me the best hatches. But that isn't going to work for everyone else where they're at.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Thank you Katy. I think I will start with 60% at lockdown next time. Quite a difference than the 85 I started with these.

I know they will hatch out at that % because I have had "surprise" chicks pipping in the turner. Talk about panic.

I had mine at 85% because I had problems with "sticky chicks" but now I am having the "stuck in membrane" for the later hatching chicks. Never a dull moment.

I agree, everyone has to tweak to their home and climate. And I would suppose each season with it's different humidity levels brings new challenges that have to be taken into account.

I am going to start keeping better notes rather than trying to remember!

Thank you all!

 

[Grillo]

As some have commented, depends on your location and weather, but 80% in my opinion is ALWAYS too high. Hell anything over 70% is too high for me. I hatch right at 60% and do very well and chicks come out strong and lively. The very first hatch I did I went 68% and they seemed slopier, dropped the humidity to 60 and saw a big improvement. The problem could come from the first 18 days too. If they are not well incubated chicks will not develop strongly and will be weak. Some don't hatch simply because they don't have the strenght to pull through and that is a problem from the first 18 days. First 18 days you should keep it arounf 45 and then adjust after seing results. Good luck.