Well,...I started off in late winter with a 30 G. acquarium (resulting in temp swings from 90-110), two 60w. bulbs, an acquarium pump (for fresh air), an acquarium thermometer, a regular air-conditioning thermostat (went to 80 degrees at most, maybe) and no hygrometer.
At that time, we just happened to be getting about four eggs/day.
So, each day I put one or two eggs into the acquarium, dated. Soon, thanks to all my good buddies here at BYC, I learned of all the specifics that I was doing wrong. I got a good cardboard box, an Accurite thermometer/hygrometer, dishes of water with sponges, marked my "x" & "o", started to turn twice a day, with the large end up a little, and, most importantly, I traded in that AC thermostat for the wafer type from the co-op.
I had given up all hope for this batch, as on one morning in particular, I know the Accurite read 114 degrees!
This was while I was adjusting the wafer. Well....
today was day 21 for the first egg. I did not even attempt to stop turning three days prior or raise humidity even a little bit more. I never heard peeps, never saw a peck on the shell. I had candled, and posted questions here regarding floating yolks, etc. As an aside, I mentioned to the wife that tomorrow was day 21 for some of the first eggs, yet, I had completely given up all hope for this batch.
This morming, I came in to do the egg turn thing. I was sure that this one particular egg had done that exploding egg thing that everyone seems to dread like the plague. However, I noticed how the shell had been opened as if a can opener did the job...perfectly horizontal across what I guess was the air bubble!! Just then I heard the peeping.
Still, I still did not see a chick.
He was under the corrugated containers holding the other eggs.
UNBELIEVABLE!
Apparently, he seems to be as healthy as can be.
I left him in the incubator this morning. Tonight, I have him relocated into a brooder, although, all by himself. So anyway, don't give up on 'em, just give'em their time before discarding them.
-Spence
today was day 21 for the first egg. I did not even attempt to stop turning three days prior or raise humidity even a little bit more. I never heard peeps, never saw a peck on the shell. I had candled, and posted questions here regarding floating yolks, etc. As an aside, I mentioned to the wife that tomorrow was day 21 for some of the first eggs, yet, I had completely given up all hope for this batch.
-Spence
