temp went up to 103 on day 1...are they done for????

[chicksnducks]

Help!! I was regulating bator for a few days. Got the humity to 50 and temps right so last nite I put the eggs in and in the middle of the night the temp was up to 103!!!! NOW SHAT SHOULD I DO??? are the eggs done for? should I start all over with a new batch???? I am so upset. I collected all week to have these eggs!!!
since the high spike the temp is staying steady between 99.5 and 99.9....humidity is staying at 51.
any advice is always greatly appreciated!!!

 

[speckledhen]

They'll probably be okay, depending on how long they were at the high temp. A sustained high temp like that will kill the eggs, but I've known people with higher temp spikes than that who had a hatch.

 

[lurky]

That is the exact thing and exact temp that happened to me with my very first 2 eggs i tried to hatch. They did not survive the temp increase, but it doesn't mean your did not survive. Keep watching for signs.

 

[chicksnducks]

Thank you for the hope. I will candle in a few days and see what's in there.
You just made my day!!! I will go and visit my girls and tell them that there is still hope!!!
I will continue to post as this is my first bator hatch and I am sure I will have more questions.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, don't give up yet, especially since it was the first day you put the eggs in and it is holding now. Could have been some histeresis in the thermostat and as long as it doesn't do it again, candle at day 10 and find out for sure.

 

[chicksnducks]

I am keeping a close eye on temp now. seems to be holding ...it does go up to 99.8 and down to 99.1 ...is that ok? humidity is holding at 51%...those wet socks work great!

 

[arlee453]

keep us posted - sounds like you got the problem licked...

 

[chicksnducks]

Thanks! I will ...this is my first bator hatch...seems less stressful when Momma chicken is sitting on the eggs. I check the bator so often it feels like i have a newborn in the house again...I am even checking it on my mid nite trips to the potty!!! LOL ....I can't wait....
thanks again for all the info!

 

[jenlynn4]

I think they should be ok. Since it was the first day and all. Just keep a close eye on things. Keep us posted. JEN

 

[chicksnducks]

So far things are steady. I will keep posting as things go on...when would be the best time to candle? should I wait until day 10? or can I do it sooner and know something????