The 9th Annual BYC Easter Hatchalong!

[mlm Mike]

I wonder if I might ask a couple questions since so many hatchers are huddled together. I am doing my first incubation. I am on day 2 but googling for info. I read that ...

1 If the temp is on the low side in incubator you will have a better hatch rate for Pullets, if it is on the high side you have a better hatch rate for Cockerels.

2. I read that it is not uncommon for Bantams to hatch a little earlier than expected. My Rooster is a Bantam Cochin and the Hens are Not. would they (I mean other than Mutts) be expected to be Bantam or LF?

Thank you for any assistance. If I can get this right this time I may have to join the fun next year! Good Hatches to all!

The sex is already determined. Low temps lead to late hatches, in general chicks that hatch late or less healthy. Run the incubator at the proper temp.

Not certain about the second question.

 

[mlm Mike]

I didn’t want to let them cool off too much while taking out the turner, candling, etc., so I set my electric blanket on high and set the turner and eggs on it and covered them with the duvet. Then I added warm water to help bring the temp up faster. I just checked and the humidity was at 76 so I took out one of the plugs. Is one enough? My room is kinda chilly, though it’s warming up now that I have the wood stove going.

A little cool down is not harmful, and may be beneficial. Plugs are to control fresh airflow, which you want at this time, not temp and humidity.

 

[mlm Mike]

Just going into lockdown.
Does anyone have a good idea of what humidity to run the incubator at? I never seem to get it right.

For chickens, 60% - 70% generally works.

 

[mlm Mike]

32 eggs just went in to lockdown! Turkeys due Friday and chicks due Saturday

Good luck!

 

[mlm Mike]

I moved my easter eggs into my hatcher yesterday.... 8 turkey and 25 chicken..... I am a little early but I needed the room in the good bator for the new turkey eggs that were starting to age more than I like.... I set another 17turkey and 7 duck eggs to top off the 3 turkey and 15 chicken eggs that are due a week after easter.... ok so I can stop any time I want.... I just don't want to....

Good luck with all your hatches!

 

[Happy Chooks]

It gets really cold in my room. The only heat is when I open the door to the living room where the wood stove sits. I was worried because the incubator windows were fogging up. And this is my first time using a still air.

Condensation means your humidity is too high. You don't want condensation, you risk drowning the chicks.

It’s zipping! I only got them out of the rails and locked down about an hour ago!
View attachment 1314112

First duckling hatched during the early morning!View attachment 1314118

Awwwwww.

View attachment 1314130 3 more to go! 2 making progress and one straggler, no pips on the shell yet, just rocking around.

There are not many things cuter than a duckling!

Agreed.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Maybe a bit better?
View attachment 1314122

So, should I chuck this one guys?

Well I'm sure it's a dud but for learning purposes, is that a blood ring?

 

[ronott1]

First quail just hatched! It’s tiny
View attachment 1314120

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

So, should I chuck this one guys?

Well I'm sure it's a dud but for learning purposes, is that a blood ring?

I personally could not see a blood ring and it looked clear. But they may just be pic angle.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Second one is out! Goodness, if you blink you miss them
I literally went to check my emails, came back and it was hatched!