Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

This sophisticated database application will calculate the % loss at pip the egg isheading for and compensates for time differences in weighing, to the nearest minute.It tells you the optimum relative humidity to place your egg in.http:/www.avianmanagement.com/aims.htm11.2Incubation Temperatures and HumidityJemima Parry – Jones of the Nation Birds of Prey Centre runs all her incubators at 37.3 –37.4 degrees Celsius.The humidity will depend on the weight loss the egg is going for, and you will only knowthat if you weigh it. You will need to know the fresh egg weight, and then calculate15%weight loss over the incubation period to the time that the egg is due to pip. (Parry –Jones J)Owl eggs have been successfully incubated at a relative humidity of 55 % to 70 %.( Holland G)11.3Desired % Egg Mass LossBetween the laid and piping dates egg should have a weight loss of 13- 15 %.11.4Hatching Temperature and HumidityOn the day before hatching humidity should be at 60%RH to prevent the membranes ofthe egg drying out and therefore making it harder for the chick to hatch. The temperatureshould be increased to between 18 Degrees Celsius – 22Degrees Celsius for hatching.11.5Normal Pip to Hatch IntervalIt takes between 12-64 hours for a chick to completely hatch from the egg. Eachhatchling is different so the first egg may pip and hatch after a day but the secondhatchling may take three days. Eggs are normally laid about 2 days apart and willnormally hatch in that order.11.6Brooder Types/DesignTimber brooder box 500mm X 500mm X 500mm,with a clear Perspex panel on the frontside able to slide up being clear it will not have to be opened to observe chicks inside. A40W reflector light is preferable as it will distribute light around brooder. A small bucketwith a thick layer of wood shavings or breeders choice kitty litter, sand or dirt makes fora good way to contain a few owl chicks inside the brooder as the chicks grow larger thesmall bucket can be replaced with a larger one.11.7Brooder TemperaturesTemperatures will vary depending on the developmental stage and age of the chick; theyrequire a body temperature of around 36 Degrees Celsius .As they have n down on themat hatching it is difficult for them to maintain their own body temperature, so it isimportant to continually observe gradient temperature to ensure chicks have correct heat.• Temperature should be set between 27-33 Degrees Celsius for the first two weeks• Then Temperature can be reduced to between 25-29 Degrees Celsius for a furtherthree weeks46