This is like De Ja Vu hatching all over again.

[TNBarnQueen]

If anyone has any ideas please feel free to post.
Every hatch it starts a day early then on day 21 I will have a frenzy of chicks popping out then it slows down a bit til 2 or 3 eggs are left. I wait til day 24 and still...there they set. During hatching everything runs as planned. Temp stays the same...humidity stays around 65 raising to average 78-80 while there are several wet chicks in the incubator. So...I can't see any potential problem during hatching.
When I do the eggtopsy the eggs are fully developed, no excess water, good air sac and size, but the chick is dead. This happens whether I use my hova or LG. So...does anyone have any ideas???

I know there is natural selection and such but this is exactly the same every hatching.

I would like to start hatching for people but want to get this issue worked out first. I also have 6 Crelle Polish coming in May and they where really costly...would like to end up with a good hatch.

I will be locking down 30 silkies Sunday and if I am doing something wrong or can make a needed change I want to find out before hand.

I don't know what I would do without everyone here at BYC. It has been wonderful to meet others and learn so much!!!

Thanks
Terry

 

[Cat Water]

What breed are they? Sometimes if you breed for example Araucanas or crested ducks, there is a lethal gene and if they get two copies of that gene, they just die. I don't understand that too much, so I won't go into detail and give out misinformation. It might just be the natural selection thing.

 

[latebloomer]

are these shipped eggs or local?

are you using a still air or circulated air incubator?

what are your typical temperature and humidity levels up to lockdown?

i had one (bbs orp) that looked fully developed on my first hatch that never pipped

 

[TNBarnQueen]

Quote:
Yes..these where shipped eggs and some of the best packed I have ever seen!
I am using a circulated air..Hovabator
Temps stay a steady 99.6...I never saw it go over 99.9 or under 99.4 throughout the entire 22 days.
Humidity first 18 days average 35-40%...during hatching app. 60-65. It did raise as far up as high 70s when there where several wet chicks.
I went ahead tonight and candled them. No movement what so ever and it looks like the air sacs have enlarged which makes me think there was not enough humidity. Wonder if I should start keeping it around 70 on lockdown?? During the candling one looked like the air sac was 2x the size of what it was when I LD. I always pay close attention to air sacs to make sure there are a good uniform size.

So...I figure I should be happy with the 10 that did hatch. All healthy and beautiful. 5 Lavender and 5 black splash!

Thanks!!
Terry