Problem with bobwhite hatching

[tpotter01]

This is my first attempt at hatching bobwhite quail. They have begun to hatch but I am having almost 100% mortality rate. The chicks are coming out of the eggs just fine. They are not deformed. They are a bit late ( 1 day ). They live for a few hours after they hatch and then die. I have only 1 chick that has lasted past this period. They seem to have trouble breathing after they hatch. The one I saw this morning was opening and closing it's beak like it was trying to swallow air. The temp is around 99 and the humidity level is in the 70% range. The incubator is a still air styrofoam one. I have had success in this incubator with chicken eggs. Any thoughts what the problem may be?

Tim

 

[NancyP]

Do you have any of the vent plugs open? Sorry It's the first thing that comes to mind.

 

[tpotter01]

I have one of them open, but still partially covered. It seems when I open them the heat just goes out the top and the eggs get to cold.

 

[OwensMom]

Tpotter-The only thing that I know about quail comes from a ret. vet who is a friend. He says that quail need to incubate under a broody. Artificial incubation rarely works and if they survive, they have trouble learning to eat!! The broody will teach them what to eat and howto forage.Good luck hope this helps.

 

[BaJa]

Tpotter-The only thing that I know about quail comes from a ret. vet who is a friend. He says that quail need to incubate under a broody. Artificial incubation rarely works and if they survive, they have trouble learning to eat!! The broody will teach them what to eat and how to forage. Good luck hope this helps.

OwensMom, that is not true. quail are easy to raise.