Incubation Troubleshooting
Draggy hatch - some chicks early, but hatch slow in finishing.
| Probable Cause | Suggested Corrective Measure |
| Improper gathering, cooling and holding of eggs.
|
Eggs must be gathered frequently, cooled properly
before casing, and held at proper temperature and humidity before
setting.
|
| Mixing large eggs and small eggs in the same
setting (large eggs are usually from older hens or heavier breeders,
small eggs from younger hens or lighter breeders. Larger eggs and
older eggs tend to hatch later than small eggs, all other things being
equal).
|
Where possible, try to set eggs of uniform size
and age per machine. Larger eggs or eggs which have been held longer
frequently give better hatching results when incubated at slightly
higher temperature than for smaller or fresher eggs so that development
will be roughly equal at transfer.
|
| Hot spots and cold sports due to (1) improper
incubator design, or to (2) using cooling water that is excessively
cold, or to (3) supplying the incubator with air under too much pressure
or air which has not been preconditioned, or to (4) pumping exhaust
air out of the machine in a manner which interferes with the machine's
own system.
|
Incubator's optimum functioning can be upset
by excessive cold cooling water, faulty air supply, or by attempting
to duct out exhaust air improperly.
|
| Improper incubator or hatcher temperature.
|
Maintain proper temperature levels throughout
incubating and hatching cycle.
|
| Recirculating stale, contaminated air.
|
Ventilate properly, with 100 percent fresh, tempered air. |