Best Way to Hatch?

[Arya28]

Hi!

We are on day 18 of our first ever egg incubation and we are about to put them in lockdown. We are going to remove them from the egg turner and candle them to mark the air sac. I have read mixed reviews on this, so I’m curious, what’s the best way to hatch them? Laying down on their sides or vertically in a carton? What are the pros and cons of each? What have you been more successful with?

Also, what’s the proper temp and humidity for lockdown?

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

I've only done them on their sides - it's how they'd hatch naturally under a hen and makes a lot more sense. Standing up would be harder and also lead to more complications if the chick pipped in the wrong spot.

The temp should be the same it has been throughout the rest of the incubation period - approx 99.5 F for a forced air bator and a couple degrees higher for still air. Humidity can be anywhere from 55-75%. I like it best around 65%.

Let us know how it goes! Hatching is pretty exciting!

 

[sylviethecochin]

Good luck--and can we have pictures?

EDT: and yeah, sorry--reply to post: I agree with the above.

 

[Arya28]

Thank you! Yes once they are all hatched and healthy

We’re pretty excited too!!

So we are marking the air cells to make sure we know they pip in the right place- what would we do if one pipped at the wrong place? Anything?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Thank you! Yes once they are all hatched and healthy

We’re pretty excited too!!

So we are marking the air cells to make sure we know they pip in the right place- what would we do if one pipped at the wrong place? Anything?

You'd probably have to assist. Wait until 24 hours after pipping has occurred, because otherwise it can be tragic.

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

A lot of chicks that pip on the wrong end hatch by themselves, so I'd wait for 10-12 hours at least to try assisting. It can really vary, though.

Especially as you get more experience it becomes more of a go with your gut thing - if it looks like it needs help, help. Just avoid tearing the membrane. If it's day 21 or later I'm more likely to help sooner than I would if it was hatching early.

And of course, please don't hesitate to ask any questions! We're here to help however possible.

 

[Arya28]

Thank you!

 

[Bryam]

I agree give them time.