Problems with hatching

[synoviaus]

Ok, this is my third try to hatch eggs. They should hatch next week. The first two batches appeared infertile. No blood, no color changes in the yolks, and no chicks after 21 days. How often do you guys add water into a hovabator with auto turner and fan? How often is it safe to open it? I'm keeping the temp right on 100 degrees. What could I be doing wrong? I really want to make sure these eggs hatch. Amy

 

[TheMartianChick]

Are you sure that the eggs are fertile? Usually, even if a hatch fails, you will get some sort of progress such as veining, etc... If none are developing, then I would have to wonder about the fertility of the eggs.

 

[Webfoot]

Get a hygrometer (ones made for use in a reptile terrarium are inexpensive and a handy size) the monitor the humidity. When it drops 5% or more, add water.

Temperature in a forced air bator should be 99.5 (average). Open it if you need to, but not otherwise.

If none of the eggs developed at all, then they weren't fertile. Even in the worst shipped batch, some of them will make an effort.

Webfoot

 

[synoviaus]

Could be the fertility. The folks I got the eggs from had a large number of roosters. So, they may have been fighting too much to get the job done. Amy