Can I slow down the incubating length somehow?

[QChickieMama]

I will be getting back in town on day #18 of my quail eggs incubating. I really (REALLY) don't want to miss seeing my first batch, if any hatch. So, is day #18 a possibility? I have the temp right around 102, but for a few days it stayed around 99-100 b/c the garage was cold. They're indoors now.

I've read that it takes about 16-17 days. What's your experience? If I decrease the temp to 99 (it's day #10 now) from now until hatching, will that prolong the process a bit so they'll be more likely to come on day #18?

 

[Stellar]

I would leave the temperature on as is. The more you mess with it during this time, the more problems can result with your hatch.

 

[joe125]

Just based on fiddling, it's possible that you could go into the 18-21 day hatching cycle, but I would let the little critters hatch when they are ready. Not a moment sooner or later. Just have someone standing by to move the little fuzzy butts to the brooder if you can't.

Life just happens, you can't speed it up or slow it down to suit your schedule. On a side note: Don't incubate eggs in the garage!

 

[QChickieMama]

Quote:
Why is this? I was keeping it shut 98% of the time, and it's more insulated than most other garages.

 

[Stellar]

I have a cabinet in my brooder room which is in the barn. It really depends on your incubator. I still would let the eggs hatch on time. Later causes weaker chicks in the gene pool IMHO

 

[IwannaBEaMERMAID]

I stretch the incubation time ALL THE TIME . . .not on purpose . . . . 23 days for button quails . . .ya that one was fun

To be honest I think it's because my incubator is ghetto and runs at a lower temp.

 

[rittert3]

I agree that it wouldn't be a good thing to try and mess with. Try to plan ahead when you set the eggs if at all possible because once they go in you could kill them all trying to make them stay longer.

 

[joe125]

Quote:
Why is this? I was keeping it shut 98% of the time, and it's more insulated than most other garages.

Well...No matter how high faulting your bator is....the temp swings in a generally unregulated temperature environment, exposed to massive temp swings, plus and minus like a garage/shed, etc...are not really a good place to incubate eggs of any kind.

 

[TheRealTimShady]

slowing down incubation time usually have to start from the beginning if you start at 98 degrees instead of 99.5 you can extend the time from 18 days off into 21 days