The 6th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[ChickenCanoe]

i did not know there were preferred humidities for various breeds of chickens. What about Silkies? Of the not so many chicks I've incubated, the Silkies have tended to have the greatest problem with shrink wrapping, so I wonder. Is there a book or publication that discusses incubation in such detail? Or maybe a thread on BYC? Thanks.

Silkies should probably use normally recommended humidity. If you experience shrink wrap issues, use that result as your guide.
Extremely dark eggs or thicker shells can go with lower humidity.
I find that weighing eggs is important when hatching a variety of eggs or when beginning to hatch with a breed.

I actually need to cover up some of the air holes on the bottom. I can't get the temp to rise out of the very low 90's.

It's basically already spring here. It's been in the 70's for the past 2 days. Today it's cold, but tomorrow it's going up again.

Rather than closing holes, I recommend enclosing the incubator in a space surrounded by cardboard or boxes or anything that will create a mini room. Not to restrict air flow just to make a space that will limit heat loss. You can also put some towels on 2 sides to hold heat in. The growing embryos need oxygen.

 

[LadyHawkeAvry]

Showgirls/Shizzles hatching this morning.

What a little cutie!!!

 

[Razadia]

Quote: I probably should have been more specific. I don't actually close them off completely. I use a small strip off tape to cut down on direct drafts. Air is still going in, it's just not blowing in so hard. I'll post a pic when I do it. I'm not exactly the greatest at explaining things.

 

[coop410silkies]

Showgirls/Shizzles hatching this morning.

WOW

 

[ronott1]

i did not know there were preferred humidities for various breeds of chickens. What about Silkies? Of the not so many chicks I've incubated, the Silkies have tended to have the greatest problem with shrink wrapping, so I wonder. Is there a book or publication that discusses incubation in such detail? Or maybe a thread on BYC? Thanks.

Silkies should be incubated at a higher humidity as well as dorkings. This has been my experience but I have also seen others having better hatches with higher humidity with them.

45% is still dry incubation. It is best to use either an air cell development chart or use the wait loss method and adjust humidity based on them.

 

[holm25]

What should I do to get my incubator ready for hatching?? Just wash it out or something else

 

[jrfadfarm]

How long can room temp eggs possibly be fertile?

 

[LadyCluck77]

How long can room temp eggs possibly be fertile?

You can store your fertile eggs at room temperature (a slightly cooler room is better- basements, etc) for up to 12-14 days just fine. I have the best luck at six days or less of storage before I set them. Don't forget to turn the carton at least three times a day while they are in storage. That helps ensure hatchability.
*Shipped eggs should be no more than seven days old when you set them.

 

[La Casa de Pollo]

Mine that sit at regular room temp about 70 degrees or so hatch pretty well up to ten days old , then it starts to drop pretty dramatically after that.

 

[seminolewind]

What should I do to get my incubator ready for hatching?? Just wash it out or something else

After you wash it, run it for a few days to get an idea of how well it's working and whether it keeps the temperature.