Why is there such a low hatch rate?

[Little Red Birds]

I have discussed this with some other breeders of D’uccles that are porcelain in variety and they all say that the hatch rates are really low. In my (minimal) experience, all my hatched had about half infertile, 1/4 develop and die halfway through, and 1/4 actually pip. I’ve only ever had one survive past 24 hours though. Any thoughts on why this could be? I love these birds and their temperaments and I honestly prefer them to the Millies.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are you using an incubator or a broody hen?

 

[Kiki]

If incubator do you have calibrated instruments in it?

 

[Little Red Birds]

Are you using an incubator or a broody hen?

An incubator. I’ve tried twice, both with different incubators in different places, one at a friends house and the other in an Ag classroom at my school.

 

[Little Red Birds]

If incubator do you have calibrated instruments in it?

I am confused... ????)

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I am confused... ????)

The thermometers and hygrometers are often not correct in incubators and they need to be recalibrated. That's what @Texas Kiki is saying.

 

[Little Red Birds]

The thermometers and hygrometers are often not correct in incubators and they need to be recalibrated. That's what @Texas Kiki is saying.

Thank you for helping clear it up!

 

[Kiki]

The thermometers and hygrometers are often not correct in incubators and they need to be recalibrated. That's what @Texas Kiki is saying.

This.



Did you buy a separate thermometer and humidity gauge and calibrate them both?

 

[Little Red Birds]

I just asked my Ag teacher and she said that her Shop class recalibrated the thermometer and hydrometer in the incubator before my class put the eggs in.

 

[Little Red Birds]

She just told me that they had to buy a new hydrometer