Test Incubation: Due to hatch 12/19 (including eggtopsies **graphic pictures**)

[lazy gardener]

I have had the sad experience of doing an eggtopsy and finding a viable chick. Never again, will I simply crack an egg open to do an eggtopsy.

Also, if you've ever smelled a rotten egg, you will never ever want to smell one again. I always open those quitters outside, no matter what the weather! In 6th grade, I had the dubious honor of having a rotten goose egg explode all over me when I was cleaning the quitters out of the school incubator. We had to evacuate the entire wing of the building for the rest of the school day.

 

[Chickassan]

Very informative Rae, thank you for sharing your findings. Glad you didn't find anything too horrific or explosive.

 

[Redhead Rae]

So, today is day 17. I'm going to move them to lockdown tomorrow. I just candled them again.

Incubator 1:
Still has 12 wiggly babies

Incubator 2:
Out of the 6 eggs left. I have 4 wiggly babies and I think 2 more quitters. I'll candle them again tomorrow before deciding if I should let them continue into lockdown.

Also, what is the best way to do lockdown? Do I open the lid to add water if the humidity gets too low?

 

[WVduckchick]

You *can* quickly open the lid to add more water. Or if you have some tubing, straws (the bendy kind are great) or something like that, you don't always have to open the lid.

Eta - insert thru a vent hole.

Good luck!! So excited to see how it goes.

Are you planning to lock them all down in one, or keep using both incubators?

 

[aart]

I find a siphon bottle with some aquarium and irrigation tubing to work great thru a vent hole.

 

[Redhead Rae]

You *can* quickly open the lid to add more water. Or if you have some tubing, straws (the bendy kind are great) or something like that, you don't always have to open the lid.

Eta - insert thru a vent hole.

Good luck!! So excited to see how it goes.

Are you planning to lock them all down in one, or keep using both incubators?

Thanks for the advice!

I think I might combine them into one bator so it is easier to get to the chicks if they need help.

I think I'm going to put the eggs from incubator 2 inside a small box (clear plastic, lined with paper towels to prevent splay leg) so I can compare vigor, sex ratios, assists needed, etc. even though the sample is smaller.

How do you decide if a questionable egg should go into lockdown or not?

 

[WVduckchick]

I've seen folks here use baskets and mesh bags, etc, or just some type of divider inside. I've never tried anything like that though.

I would also recommend rubber shelf liner from the dollar store instead of paper towels on the bottom. paper towels can be slick for their feet and they also draw the moisture, and you don't want the eggs getting wet.

When you candle the last time, if it's questionable, leave it in! They should look mostly dark, with maybe a thin bit of clear area close to the air cell, should still be able to see blood vessels there, if any fluid is still present.

Be sure to notice the lowest side of the dip in the air cell and lay the egg with that side facing the roof of the incubator. I draw a little vertical line on mine, just in case they get rolled by other hatchers, to indicate which side should be up.

 

[WVduckchick]

Here's what i do, maybe a little overboard, but works for me. I number each egg, then keep a list of pip time, and hatch time. It's useful when I'm debating whether to assist or just fun when counting pips! Lol

 

[Sassysouth]

Don’t throw them in the compost pile. Miracles happen!

 

[Redhead Rae]

Don’t throw them in the compost pile. Miracles happen!