Quail Hatch Problems?

[dczymmek]

Hello! I recently had a Coturnix quail hatch, I had 75 eggs, with fairly consistent temperature and humidity throuought the hatch, then on day 15 I unplugged my auto turners. I only had 10 quail hatch the first day, eventually I had 30 chicks. 10 of them had wry necks/splayed legs, and a few couldn't even stand. I kept my brooder at 95, with fresh gamebird starter and water. Around 15 chicks died that seemed unhealthy leaving me with only 15 healthy chicks. In the incubator many eggs had chicks that never peeped or did and died. Does anyone know why so many chicks were unhealthy, or why many died in the eggs?

 

[SliderShooter]

You mentioned that you "unplugged" the turners. Did you remove the eggs from the turners and set them on their side, pointed down?

What is your source for the eggs? Sounds like that could be the problem, bad breeders.

Was the hatch on time, day 18?

A few things to consider when you are trying to narrow it down.

 

[dc3085]

X2 where did you get the eggs, were they shipped?

What were your humidity settings for incubation and for lockdown? What type of space did they hatch in?

Splayed legs can come from excessive or fluctuating humidity, but they more often come from the chicks trying to walk on slippery surfaces.

Wry neck can be genetic, they can get it from ingesting heavy metals like lead, it can come from vitamin E deficiency, or can be caused by bacteria or botulism. It isn't something easily traced to a specific cause in most cases.

 

[dczymmek]

Sorry I havnt gotten back to you guys I've been away from my computer for the last few days. I obtained 50 of the eggs from a local auction, and 25 from eBay. I moved the eggs to my hatching incubator day 15, where temps were 99-101 with 85% humidity. The eggs began hatching day 18 but chicks continued hatching until around day 21! They hatched on a fine wire mesh flooring, so I didn't notice any traction problems. Thanks everyone!