can i do lock down on day 19?

[Queen of Chickens]

hi,
i'm leaving town for a few days, and was wondering if i could do lock down one day later then the usual date for lockdown
because i won't be here unfortunately for the 18th day of incubation....
would it hurt the eggs?
thanks a lot!

 

[BantyChooks]

It might be fine. If you have an automatic turner it could result in more malpositioned eggs. How early are you leaving? It's fine to stop turning a few days early and if the air cells look alright you could potentially raise humidity somewhat and then raise it the rest of the way when you return.
It's hard to tell because your exact temperature, large fowl vs bantam eggs, etc. all matters.

 

[Benny R]

I always lock down on day 19, 20 & 21. I set the RH to 70%.

 

[Huntmaster]

I always lock down on day 19, 20 & 21. I set the RH to 70%.

What are you hatching Chukar, Pheasants ?

 

[Benny R]

just chickens

 

[Huntmaster]

just chickens

Setting Chicken eggs for lockdown on day 21?

 

[Benny R]

No, 19~21

 

[Huntmaster]

No, 19~21

Are they hatching in your hand as your setting them? Chicken eggs are usually set for lockdown on day 18 of incubation so the hatchlings can position themselves for hatching. It's not set in stone but why would you very so much from the norm.

 

[Benny R]

I've always done LD on the last three days, and its always worked well.

 

[Huntmaster]

I've always done LD on the last three days, and its always worked well.

So, you're saying you have them on lockdown for the last 3 days 19, 20, 21, setting them day 18 not starting them for lockdown on day 19-21. Other poster was looking for other options of when to set eggs in lockdown other than day 18. Sorry I misunderstood what you were saying thought you were saying you set them in lockdown day 19-21 MY BAD