Chick hatches without lockdown...

[WILDaboutCHICKENS]

Thought you guys might be interested in a recent experience I had. I had a load of eggs set in an incubator for about 7 days already when one of my broody hens hatched a chick and then abandoned the other egg. After candling it I thought it might still be viable, and decided to just throw it in the incubator. Five days later, after turning with the rest of the eggs and at 39% humidity, I came home to find the chick had hatched out by itself with no problems. I'm guessing the hen must have laid this egg after starting to incubate the first one.

I'm new to incubating/hatching, but I was very surprised because I thought the turning and humidity would be a problem, but I wasn't willing to compromise the 21 other developing chicks.

Anyways, there you go for what it's worth!!

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Thought you guys might be interested in a recent experience I had. I had a load of eggs set in an incubator for about 7 days already when one of my broody hens hatched a chick and then abandoned the other egg. After candling it I thought it might still be viable, and decided to just throw it in the incubator. Five days later, after turning with the rest of the eggs and at 39% humidity, I came home to find the chick had hatched out by itself with no problems. I'm guessing the hen must have laid this egg after starting to incubate the first one.

I'm new to incubating/hatching, but I was very surprised because I thought the turning and humidity would be a problem, but I wasn't willing to compromise the 21 other developing chicks.

Anyways, there you go for what it's worth!!

good to know!

 

[Jeanette56]

I had a similar experience last year.
The thing is automatic turners turn so slowly I can't see how they would disturb a developing egg or a hatching chick. They certainly didn't bother my little guy! I also rather doubt that a broody hen sits stock still for three solid days of lockdown!

I'm new to incubating/hatching, but I was very surprised because I thought the turning and humidity would be a problem, but I wasn't willing to compromise the 21 other developing chicks.

Anyways, there you go for what it's worth!!

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

I had a similar experience last year.
The thing is automatic turners turn so slowly I can't see how they would disturb a developing egg or a hatching chick. They certainly didn't bother my little guy! I also rather doubt that a broody hen sits stock still for three solid days of lockdown!

I have to agree...broodies, while committed to setting, do move around, even after the 18 day lockdown has been ordered!