That Quail Place Forum

Raising Gamebirds => Incubation => Topic started by: SportDog on May 30, 2007, 05:54:03 PM

Title: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: SportDog on May 30, 2007, 05:54:03 PM
I have been reading a lot of info over the last week on incubation.
I am getting mixed signals from different sources so I though maybe you guys/gals could tell me what humidity levels you use.

Using a Little Giant with Fan and turner.
The temps I have read are pretty consistant.  99.9-100.

But humidity I have seen all over the board.
From Websites: 1st 20 days humidity at 58-65%.   Then increase to 70-75% for last 3 days.
A book I read on raising quail says 80% all the way until the last 3 days then go to 90%.

Which is right?  Or which is working for you?
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: koboa on May 31, 2007, 09:08:44 PM
When I hatched my Bobs I did 55 to 60% humidity and on last 3 days I increased to 80 to 90%.  And I had a excellent hatch
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: SportDog on June 01, 2007, 10:22:00 AM
Thanks for the reply koboa!!

I just set the eggs in the incubator last night with a temp of 100 and 52% humidity.  I will increase the humidity a little more when I go home at lunch.
Thanks again!
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: koboa on June 01, 2007, 07:11:31 PM
No problem sportdog and good luck on your hatch
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: SportDog on June 05, 2007, 12:11:48 PM
Decided to candle them last night at day 5.  Out of 41 eggs, 10 were clear and the others were developing.
I could actaully even see a thumping on the embryo which I assume is the heart beat.  Is that possible at this stage?  Not sure what else it could have been.
Very cool though.
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: aKirA on June 06, 2007, 02:40:29 AM
Yea Im not sure if it can technically be considered a heartbeat at that stage but yea you will see that wavey/thumping activity for the most of incubation. good luck.
Title: Re: 1st Time Incubating Bobwhites
Post by: SportDog on June 13, 2007, 03:58:19 PM
Well all is going good so far.
I put 31 fertile eggs and after 13 days and all are looking very good when candled.  This little guys form quick. 
Expecting them to start hatching around next Friday. Will keep you posted.