So one egg hatched, how long should i wait to see if others follow suit?

[josh59]

So one of my eggs hatched about 2 hours ago and as of yet i don't think any others have begun, or will begin, hatching. I cant really see into the incubator all too well due to the condensation on the glass cover. I haven't opened the incubator yet, as im allowing the chick to dry off for a few hours, and i don't want to jeopardize other eggs that may be piping. I am curious however, as to how long i should give the other eggs to hatch? I read it can take 24hrs for them to bust through, so should i just leave them all alone for that long?

 

[2 many chickens]

It's just getting started. So sit back and wait. No rush to these things. They take time.
I do find that once the first baby hatches, eggs start to pip. I think hearing another baby peep helps other's hatch. I don't know why lol

 

[GotCoop]

I generally allow 36 hours from first hatch until I decide to shut down and switch from hatching operation to brooding operation (if I see no more evidence of pipping). Hatched chicks can go for 2 days without food and water (hatchery chicks are processed and shipped across country).

 

[flowerfaeiry]

You might have the humidity a bit high if you have condensation. It's a good idea to calibrate your thermometers and hygrometers prior to each setting. Don't open it, wait it out. I always get one early bird! You should be seeing more activity soon!

 

[josh59]

You might have the humidity a bit high if you have condensation. It's a good idea to calibrate your thermometers and hygrometers prior to each setting. Don't open it, wait it out. I always get one early bird! You should be seeing more activity soon!

Yea i was a bit worried about that, I have the little giant incubator and monitor on it says 62% humidity while the one i have inside says 74%.

 

[2 many chickens]

Yea i was a bit worried about that, I have the little giant incubator and monitor on it says 62% humidity while the one i have inside says 74%.

It's fine. After a chick hatches humdity goes up but it should mellow back out after it starts to dry out.

 

[flowerfaeiry]

I would guess your readings are off a bit, you don't usually see condensation until it's way up there. It's ok. Your concern would be high humidity days 1-18, can cause problems with the chicks. Once you calibrate you hygrometer, you will know how accurate or not the incubator is reading. To calibrate, take a bottle cap and fill with salt, add just a few drops of water to mousten but not wet. Seal it with the gauge inside a zip lock bag with air for 6 hours. It should read 75%. If it reads 65%, you know it is off by 10 and you can adjust accordingly.

 

[josh59]

Well just one of my eggs ended up hatching, the chick looks pretty healthy, had to go to Tractor Supply and get 4 more chicks so she wouldn't be lonely. Thanks for info on hatching! When i do another batch hopefully i will have a better result.

 

[flowerfaeiry]

Keep your humidity 30-40% during days 1-18, 60-65% lockdown. Temp as steady as possible. Once you set the eggs, candle once at day 10 if you must, but don't handle them or open the incubator at all until dat 18. Always calibrate your thermometers and hygrometers prior to each setting, it really makes a difference. In styrofoam incubators it may help to wrap a blanket around the sides without blocking the vents. Always keep one vent hole open, then both must be open for hatch.
When I follow the guidlines by the book, I have a great hatch, but when I get lax, it really shows in hatchrate. Better luck on the next hatch!!!

 

[GotCoop]

It's always a learning experience. Unfortunately, eggs don't all make it to hatch. Enjoy the "lone ranger" and its TSC companions.