Hi there! I'm up in Massachusetts and totally new to chickens - but I've always wanted them, and I'm TOO excited!!!!
But I'm worried too, and I need help!
I've got 14 Scots Dumpy eggs in the bator. Today is Day 7. I've done everything I can to get this right, but owing to the rarity of the breed, I had to have them mail ordered. But they were beautifully, lovingly packed and I really feel if anything goes wrong, it's down to me!
My humidity seems to be (and has been!) between 55-65% and this morning when I removed the cover to turn them, it was at 70%. I've removed water, but it's been raining for days and now about to get hot and steamy and I'm panicked! I plan to candle them tonight. I didn't when they first came in as I had no idea what I was looking for!
I tried putting rolled up bits of paper towel to absorb humidity but there was no change. I've removed most of the water and will keep my eye on the humidity, but I'm worried it's too late. I feel a great responsibility due to the rarity of the breed. I'd hate to be the reason they don't make it! The temperature has stayed beautifully consistent at 38C, but I do worry about that humidity! Please let me know if there's something more I should do!
Everything I'm reading says that if something goes wrong, it'll be early on like this! Please help me salvage the situation. The idea of the chicks drowning when I can't get to them in lockdown is keeping me up at night!
Thanks for any assistance!
But I'm worried too, and I need help!
I've got 14 Scots Dumpy eggs in the bator. Today is Day 7. I've done everything I can to get this right, but owing to the rarity of the breed, I had to have them mail ordered. But they were beautifully, lovingly packed and I really feel if anything goes wrong, it's down to me!
My humidity seems to be (and has been!) between 55-65% and this morning when I removed the cover to turn them, it was at 70%. I've removed water, but it's been raining for days and now about to get hot and steamy and I'm panicked! I plan to candle them tonight. I didn't when they first came in as I had no idea what I was looking for!
I tried putting rolled up bits of paper towel to absorb humidity but there was no change. I've removed most of the water and will keep my eye on the humidity, but I'm worried it's too late. I feel a great responsibility due to the rarity of the breed. I'd hate to be the reason they don't make it! The temperature has stayed beautifully consistent at 38C, but I do worry about that humidity! Please let me know if there's something more I should do!
Everything I'm reading says that if something goes wrong, it'll be early on like this! Please help me salvage the situation. The idea of the chicks drowning when I can't get to them in lockdown is keeping me up at night!
Thanks for any assistance!