[egglady]

what should the humidity level be for chicken eggs please?

[egglady]

annie, i did add water and also sprayed them the last few days.  8/12 hatched which i am advised is a good rate, though i know james also gets a good hatch rate - though james i thought you did add water for DUCK eggs?

[jameslindsay]

annie, i did add water and also sprayed them the last few days.  8/12 hatched which i am advised is a good rate, though i know james also gets a good hatch rate - though james i thought you did add water for DUCK eggs?

Never Laura, I do spray them and since doing this way had far better success than when adding water.

[northfifeduckling]

I was told hens' eggs don't need water, only ducks'. This would be to mimic mum going for a swim I reckon. If they do that anyway you won't need any. Our chick hatch was not really succesful but that  might be for other reasons.
 Glad she's doing so well, can't wait to see the wee ones!

[Sharondp]

what should the humidity level be for chicken eggs please?

Originally 35%, going up to 55% at day 16, then up to 75% at day 18.

[jameslindsay]

3 chicks out now another egg pipping and I can hear the chirping from inside and I think egg number 5 may well be thinking about pipping.

[dizzy1pig]

Hey well done.. i not any new ones today unless under hens as they have all decided to sit on eggs
8 sitting at moment  heres hoping it be worth it..

[jameslindsay]

Just got this pic of the chick thats out exploring...

[Daveravey]

Annie I never add water, I was told in Scotland it is not necessary.

I read that you run thyem dry til day 18, then bump the humidity up.

In saying that, i lost a Buff Sussex chick overnight due to a humidity fault in my incy (typical RCom fault)..... it had dropped to under 50%.

I also had to help another hatch this afternoon cos she had become stuck inside.

[doganjo]

Even for ducks?  When do I turn the cradle off?

[jameslindsay]

Yes, turn off 3 days before hatch date. Good luck.

[doganjo]

Thanks, James!

[woodlandproductsfife]

what about a little update James please

[jameslindsay]

Not much to say Craig. I know there are 3 hatched, I added some pics earlier of 1 of the chicks. There is another egg pipping and I can hear cheeping going on. Mum just sits there, so dedicated and loyal it is amazing. 

[jameslindsay]

When I checked this morning there are now 5 chicks and no signs, yet, of the last one pipping. I can't get over how mother hens just sits there and is so totally devoted to these wee things. I have to say I have enjoyed watching this.