What do I set in my incubator?

[Nattytash]

I have attempted to hatch some button quail eggs and so far 80% of the eggs I've attempted did have chicks in them but all died within their shells only one chick actually hatched but died on its 4th day in the world. My question is have I got the temperature wrong, whats the best temp and humidity for incubating eggs including hatching days is well, and any idea on a good guide for temperature in the brooder to because with the amount of peeping that chick did i'm wondering if it was too cold?

 

[geniash]

Dead embryo possible symptoms:
- Temp too high or too low
- Improper turning of the eggs
- Breeding (genetics)
- Improper ventilation (insufficient oxygen)

Piped eggs not hatching:
- Insufficient humidity
- Too high temperature (most likely the cause)
- Too low temp

Brooder temp should be 95 F for the first week.

 

[Nattytash]

Believe the incubators temperature was pretty much around 36celsius if that's ok? And the turners they're in are chicken egg sized so that may not help. Anything you could suggest for me?

 

[AustralorpsAU]

Believe the incubators temperature was pretty much around 36celsius if that's ok? And the turners they're in are chicken egg sized so that may not help. Anything you could suggest for me?

I think the temp should be 37.5 Celsius! That might be the problem

 

[Nattytash]

Ok i'm gonna try the next few eggs on a higher temp and see how it goes if the humidity is high when they've just started incubating 65% etc can that also cause problems for them?

 

[geniash]

I think fixing temp will do the trick. Humidity should be around 50% during incubation and raised to about 65-70% during last 3-4 days. I would also think on how to fix the egg turner, maybe try to use some sort of foam barrier? I am sure some creativity will get that taken care of as well. As a last resort you can turn the eggs manually at least 3 times a day. Good luck.

 

[Nattytash]

OK and usually after every batch I always give the egg a quick wipe over with a damp cloth before putting in the incubator to try and get rid of any harmful bacteria and I also clean out the incubator with a anti bacteria spray if that's OK I always make sure to wipe it down of course and let it settle before placing eggs in. Also I have been feeding the one chick I had a chick starter crumb and i'm hoping that its an OK feed to start them on.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Don't clean the eggs before putting them in with anything wet. For better hatch rates, keep humidity about 35% and raise it to 60% at lockdown. Heat should be at 37.5 C the whole time, like AustralorpsAU said. Can you get smaller turners for the eggs, or hand turn them?

 

[Nattytash]

Ok thanks for the help i'm gonna try these methods and see what happens

 

[Nattytash]

Hey its me again quails are starting to lay a lot of eggs again so going to attempt another egg hatch but I have one question when gathering any new eggs do you have to leave them pointy end down to sit for a while before putting them in the incubator or does that just apply for eggs that get shipped/delivered?