Good Morning all !!
What I have found with using my Genesis Hovabator 1588 is to follow the manufacturers directions. Period. All of the incubator brands have different size water trays etc and they have tested and tested their products to give you the best hatch rates.
My best hatch was from my first batch that I followed the directons.
Then I had some Ameraucana eggs that I went to get in GB. They were al slimey and I didn't have a good hatch. Got more eggs, monkied around with the the humidity etc and same results.
After talking with someone else that hatched eggs fromt his person. She had the same results.
I think the chicks suffocate "drown" when their air cel doesn't get big enough, which has a lot to do with the humidity etc.
I make big holes in the bottom of egg cartons, size between a Nickel or Quarter so they can still get the humidity from below as well as fresh air.
I have read (can't remember where) that if you incubate in an upright position then you should hatch in an up right position and same if you incubate in a horizonal posititon, then hatch that way.
Makes sense to me, because if the chick has started to shift in the eggs in an upright postition then laid on its side it might make it harder for it to right itself. ???? JMHO
Then if the air cel isn't big enough it could have problems.
I've noticed on alot of my eggs that the air cel at hatching time isn't nearly as big as the "book" says. I've had good hatches and I've had some don't make it !! ??????? Could be a lot of reasons.............
I still don't know what eggs I'm giving to the classroom next week to hatch. They want them to hatch a week earlier then I had thought so I never separated.
PLUS I have the same problem as Cindlady, no room. I have my brooders over flowing with silkies right now that I have no idea where to put !!!
The classroom is giving the chicks back to me so I don't want mixed breeds. Not that I don't like them but then I'll have a bigger problem finding room to separate the breeds !!!
Geezz........... Chicken Math Sucks !!!!!! Why do the little devils need to eat so much ???? LOL
Just think of the coops I could build with that money !!!! Can't wait for the snow to melt and spring to get here. Might save a few PENNIES on the feed bill.
Ok, coffee is almost done. Lots to do today, I've been slacking lately. This Auntie thing is stressing me out more then I thought.
Playing solitaire has kept my mind off of things and my chores !!!
DrHa, You should of asked Joe if he could of asked his Grandparents about your friend !! Do you really think a young whipper Snapper would know him ???
