Power outage, what to expect? Help please.

[vonmatter]

Hello everyone,
Please any advice would be most welcome

I have had 3 major power outages during my chicken egg incubation, where the temperature went down to 30 C, or even lower around 26 C degrees, for around 6 to 12 hours. All between days 12 and 14.

Well, I was quite sure all embryos had died, but now at day 16, I have candled the eggs, and surprisingly, at least 10 eggs have living embryos on it with no signs of damage.

So what should I expect from this hatch? Will it be a late hatch? Will the chicks have a lot of malformations? How should I prepare myself for hatching day?

Has anyone ever had any experience related to huge power outages during incubation?

Thank you so much
San

 

[2ndTink]

They may hatch a little late, I wouldn't expect any issues, but on the other hand I wouldn't be surprised by them either. Not that helpful I know

I would say, proceed as normal but expect the chicks to be a touch late. I'd still lockdown on the normal lockdown day unless they look super behind. But a day early in lockdown will not hurt them even if they are a bit late.

Be ready with good feed, clean water, I'm not sure where you are but assuming not the US since you are using Celsius, but somwthing like Poultry Cell or Nutridrench are always good to have on hand.

 

[vonmatter]

Thanks a lot for your reply, and great advices.

 

[Tex452]

My little grandson turned my power off, I can’t remember just how long it was, I think it was at least 24 hrs before I realized it, I didn’t have but 5 days left so I just let it run out, it ended up being a good hatch.

 

[Ridgerunner]

So what should I expect from this hatch? Will it be a late hatch? Will the chicks have a lot of malformations? How should I prepare myself for hatching day?

Has anyone ever had any experience related to huge power outages during incubation?

The power outages I've experienced have been from broody hens going back to the wrong nest. I don't know how long they were off but sometimes the eggs were ice cold to the touch when I found them. I put the hens back on their nest and let them carry on. I did not see any other options unless I just gave up. Those hatches were usually very successful. My best was a 100% success (11 out of 11), some as low as 70% to 80%, but many of my hatches are in the 70% to 80% anyway. None of those chick were mal-formed.

In your situation I would proceed as normal. Go into lockdown when you normally would. Be patient during hatch. Let us know how you do.

 

[vonmatter]

Well, here we go.
Day 21, lockdown. Humidity increased. One egg is shaking around nothing else yet but, is a good sign.

Let’s see Fingers crossed

 

[2ndTink]

come on little chickies!

 

[vonmatter]

Still no piping, but still egg movement so Im just waiting out,

 

[vonmatter]

Hey everybody,

I used a rubber shelf liner at the start of lockdown, now it has been 24h and still no pipped egg but some rolling and shaking eggs.

The liner completely messed up my parameters couldn't control nothing either temperature or humidity.

So I prepared a big sleeping bag on top of me and the incubator, turned an USB humidifier under it, and opened the lid as fast as possible; took the liner out and opened a safety hole in the egg that was for 24h shaking with no piping.

I've checked, the chick is alive and it has not piped the outer membrane, what should I do now? Should I cover the safety hole with wet paper to prevent the inner membrane from drying out or just leave it open?

I believe that somehow the power outages of 12 to 13 hours caused some malposition, besides delaying the hatch.

 

[2ndTink]

I always panic a bit about assisting hatches, let me tag a few who can add some sound advice.

@Debbie292d @TwoCrows