The 9th Annual BYC Easter Hatchalong!

[ronott1]

I think I understand, so assuming mid 40s is a bit high this should be good for the older eggs in my batch. Then evaluate at 7 days.

Yes!
Also, do not worry too much about humidity. Temperature is much more important

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Do you mean to cover the lid? Should I leave vent holes open or cover them too.

I would not recommend that. Last season we had some eggs hatching on day 19. The new arrivals were being rambunctious and soccer balling the balance. I placed cardboard cut outs over the LG windows to block the light to attempt to settle them down. They were only slightly larger than the view windows.
THEN the temperature started rising.. big time. The small cardboard cut outs insulated the incubator at a much higher effectiveness than the plexiglass windows. I panicked and removed the cardboard, then the chicks, which in turn released some of the heat from the oven, stabilizing back to normal in a short while. Temp spikes will drastically effect hatch ratios.
I'll never make that mistake again.

 

[pjnbill22]

We set a total of 103 eggs between Thursday 3/8 & today. (There are another 89 at various stages of development, some will hatch this week)
19 Ameraucana x BCM
15 Amercauana x F2 & F3 OE
12 Jubilee Orpington
4 Silkie
4 Silkie x NN
22 Lavender Orpington x LO and Blue Cochin (We’ll sell or gift the mixes)
15 BLRW x BLRW and SLW (we’ll sell or gift the mixes)
10 BCM
2 Bielefelder
The mixes are because we have too few mature hens to go with the rooster, so we tossed in a few others. We don’t mind mutts, as long as they’re good layers. We’re not especially fond of either the Wyandotte or the Cochin eggs, but the hens are just so pretty, we keep them and use the eggs ourselves.
Same with our Polish and Silkies, they’re so stinkin’ cute!

 

[Cynthia12]

Good morning Mike I may get more of Speckled Sussex as the eggs I received seem to be very small. Might start a staggered hatch next week. Besides having birds from two different breeders might not be such a bad thing.

I've contemplated speckled Sussex again. I had a beautiful girl. Her eggs were pretty small. Do you have them now? Are their eggs a decent size, my girl just laid small eggs. I have a Columbian Plymouth ROCK right now. She's a doll! Her eggs are very small. Thought for sure i would be getting larger eggs by now, she's been laying for over 2 months. Guess it doesnt matter the hen, some just lay smaller eggs. Here is a photo of my cute SS.

 

[Cynthia12]

View attachment 1291756

Oh my goodness! My hubby and I didn't keep track this time! LOL...so glad you posted this. We would have gone through the whole day. It already messed up a time he was supposed to be at a church meeting..he just assumed he had gotten the time wrong. What? How did we miss this? I know. You didn't pre warn us of it being on this day..that's it Ron, it's all your fault!

 

[ronott1]

Oh my goodness! My hubby and I didn't keep track this time! LOL...so glad you posted this. We would have gone through the whole day. It already messed up a time he was supposed to be at a church meeting..he just assumed he had gotten the time wrong. What? How did we miss this? I know. You didn't pre warn us of it being on this day..that's it Ron, it's all your fault!

Any time!

Daylights saving time strikes again!

 

[Cynthia12]

Deluxe 11300 Little Giant... it sucks but I'm forced to use it because I have eggs in my better bator.
I have both holes unplugged to decrease humidity but it seems to only rise.. 50% at the moment.

Did you just set your eggs? Humidity will rise at first when just set. If you set them yesterday, then yes, leave the plugs out, I never ever use them. I do use the dry method. I keep my humidity around mid 20's to mid 30's. I get pretty decent hatches, when the eggs are fertile! Buying off line, can't always be sure they are. Yes, postal handling makes a difference. But, I have so many eggs that don't start. Postal handling? Maybe. Good luck on your getting this humidity set right...like I said, maybe you just need to wait until that moisture is out from the eggs. Oh, and I am one to love the still bator. Holds the temps and humidity great once you get the thing tweeked right.

 

[Cynthia12]

Any time!

Daylights saving time strikes again!

 

[Eryniel]

Whoo hoo! I set 13 eggs at 1pm today, exactly. All Marans. 5 from Black Copper, 8 from Blue/Speckled.
Honestly, I’d just be happy if I got at least 2 blue and 2 speckled. I know the odds are against me... but that doesn’t stop me from hoping.

 

[Cynthia12]

Yes!
Also, do not worry too much about humidity. Temperature is much more important

This is a great reminder! Better a bit lower heat, than too high a heat! Oh, you are such a good reminder today ron...well, you usually are. Oh yeah!