Using an incubator as a brooder?

[thechickgal]

Were you turning the eggs during incubation? Did you candle any to make sure that the air cells were growing properly? These are some of the few reasons I know of that can cause low hatch rate.

 

[lazy gardener]

What was your temp? Humidity? Did you calibrate thermometers and hygrometer??? Did you do dry incubation (check it out in learning center "hatching eggs 101". Did you follow the specific instructions for shipped eggs? They require special handling, especially in the beginning, and if you don't know what's going on inside that egg before you set it, your results with hatched eggs are going to be dismal. How were they packed? Again, check out the learning center for articles pertaining to shipped eggs.

 

[merrymutts]

Temp was 37.8 C and humidity kept at 55% for first 18 days and then 65% during lockdown.

I let the eggs sit for 24 hours after delivery and in both cases..I felt that the eggs were packed appropriately. I have an automatic turner in the incubator...it's a new Brinsea device.

Thanks...still looks like I have a LOT to learn and especially have to check out the dry incubation method.

Several years ago when I was hatching raising chickens and hatching some of my own eggs, I had one of those Hovabator still air incubators and I turned the eggs twice a day and misted them twice a day with distilled water. Seemed like I got a better hatch rate. Maybe I should use this method with the Brinsea and see what happens

this will be next year as it is too late to set another batch of eggs. Maybe I will also try and purchase some hatching eggs from Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon, MO. They will be pricey but they are also only about a 30 minute drive from my house