[CameronS]

A little disheartened now, i have a Brinsea Mini Advance, and so fare out of 14 eggs i have only had 2 hatch, last time it was due to the bought in eggs being infertile (or xrayed in post killing the living things), and this time i had 6 Silkie eggs (care of dizzy1pig) , all but one showed signs of development, but none have hatched, and when candled look still, even though i can see blood vessels.

has any one got a broody hen ftgh, or for sale? not really wishing to cock up the next lot as another single chick would about drive me nuts 

Thanks
Cameron

[jameslindsay]

Cameron, do you add water to your incubator?

[CameronS]

i didn't for the first few days, then it was a little when needed, then full for the last two days

[jameslindsay]

I think that's your problem. In Scotland I have been told we do not need to add water at any time. The first twice I tried I had bad results and I think it was due to the water, since I was told not to I have enjoyed great results. I do spray the eggs with water at room temperature every day after being in the incubator for 15 days (ar that's what I do with duck eggs). Can only leave out of the incubator for no more tham 30 minutes, give it a try next time and let me know.

[dizzy1pig]

i add water after 15 days. have been told are best left dry then water when stop turnin..
you can have some more eggs if you want them.
black pekin x lavendar frizzle pekin if you fancy something that could be different.

[Rosemary]

I've had the same advice as James re water but haven't tried it yet.

[shetlandpaul]

just to maintain 55% i need the water full. and to raise it for hatching i need to add a second container. we are not renown for having a dry atmosphere up here but if i mess up the water your sure of a poor hatch.
cameron try incubating some of your own and follow the machines instructions carefully sounds stupid but each one is very diffrent.

the room humidty is 70=90% the incubator can get down to 30.

[CameronS]

Having looked at the "turn" settings on the incubator, i think i didn't take into account that some off the eggs were smaller and had it set wrongly, so that the LS egg turned properly, but the others turned but ended up back in the  same position,

 

try incubating some of your own

each time i have used it i have had one of my own, and they have hatched right on the due date,

strange, i suppose its a learning curve, i'm picking things up every time

[xnbacon]

I use a Brinsea mini advance and always fill one half of the container with water for 19 days and both sides for the remaining two.  Check every day and top up as necessary.  If I'm hatching my own eggs I generally get 5/6 hatch.  Internet eggs somewhat more variable!!  You can check if your humidity is ok by weighing eggs at start then expect to lose 10 percent over the 21 days, set up a spreadsheet to do calcs if necessary.  Also check your settings carefully each time - I inadvertently had mine set a degree too low for one hatch - oops.  Brinsea have quite a good hatching guide available from their site, if you haven't already got it.

[langdon]

james what incubator do you have?
we have the same as cameron but not the advanced(thats the one we thought we ordered!)
ours are in 8days now and things dont look to great, we too have put water in from the beginning.
how long shall we leave them there in hope?

[CameronS]

I have 7 of my own eggs in, so fingers crossed i get better results

[jameslindsay]

james what incubator do you have?
we have the same as cameron but not the advanced(thats the one we thought we ordered!)
ours are in 8days now and things dont look to great, we too have put water in from the beginning.
how long shall we leave them there in hope?

My incubator is a "Chicktec Smart 20 Observation", with auto turning. And it is bright PINK.

[langdon]

bright pink ??
how long shall we leave eggs in there before changing if we think none are fertile
langdon

[jameslindsay]

I would leave in for at least 12 days before deciding to throw away.

[shetlandpaul]

and only if they candle completly clear. if the air sack moves i get rid of too.