Different hatch times

[veggiegirl]

Hi Everyone,

I put runners and east indies in the incubator on the same day as I had read ducks hatch in 28 days. Now I'm reading that east indies will hatch in 26 days.

When should I put them in lock down for the best hatch for both?

 

[veggiegirl]

Not sure what to do...I don't have a second incubator, do I need to get one or is there another way?

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Not sure what to do...I don't have a second incubator, do I need to get one or is there another way?

Hmm. I use multiple incubators for that. In my experience with EIs, they take around 26.5 days to hatch, and I've read that Runners take 28.5 days. @Amiga ?

I hate to advise you to buy another incubator just for this. Is there any way you could borrow or rent one? I don't want to see you lose any of your babies.

@Lacrystol , what would you think about lockdown at 23.5 days? Do you think the extra couple of days would cause problems with the Runners? I'm thinking that would increase the chances of them being sticky. Maybe increasing the RH gradually starting at 23.5 would work? @casportpony , I'm trying to remember if you use artificial incubation and thinking you do. Any suggestions?

 

[Amiga]

Since I am not a hatcher, I hope more hatchers find this thread, like Lacrystol.

@WVduckchick and I think @Orca5094 are hatchers, too.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Since I am not a hatcher, I hope more hatchers find this thread, like Lacrystol.

@WVduckchick and I think @Orca5094 are hatchers, too.

Sorry about that, Amiga. I know you don't incubate artificially, or didn't think so. I was curious if what I've read about Runners having a 28.5 day incubation period is true. We've never had Runners.

 

[WVduckchick]

I've never hatched either types, but I'd go by the air cells. If the runner air cells don't look too small, and the EIs look ready by day 24, I'd go ahead and lock down. If the cells are still small, I'd wait for a pip on the EIs, then crank up the humidity. JMO.

 

[veggiegirl]

I've never hatched either types, but I'd go by the air cells. If the runner air cells don't look too small, and the EIs look ready by day 24, I'd go ahead and lock down. If the cells are still small, I'd wait for a pip on the EIs, then crank up the humidity. JMO.

Thanks for the replies! I don't know anyone that I could borrow one from, I wish I did. I may get a second one to be safe, I'm new to this so don't want to misjudge the air cells.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Thanks for the replies! I don't know anyone that I could borrow one from, I wish I did. I may get a second one to be safe, I'm new to this so don't want to misjudge the air cells.

We use at least 3 separate incubators--one for the early incubation, one for lockdown, and one for initial brooding. That's not necessary for most people since the eggs are set at the same time, but we set eggs almost every day and have to have a way to rotate them through the incubation period.

I'm thinking what @WVduckchick said might possibly work. EIs are pretty easy to hatch. I've had 90+ % hatch rates with them, and that's with shipped eggs. Not sure about Runners. I just really hate to see you have to spend money on an incubator for this. If you don't want to try what she suggested, are you early enough in the incubation period to check around to see if you can borrow or rent one?

 

[veggiegirl]

Wow, every day! I would love to try what she suggested, I'm just worried that because I'm new to this I will not be able to judge by the air cell.

They have only been in a week, so I guess I have some time to read up more on air cells.

 

[WVduckchick]

Good, you have some time. If you can take some pics when you candle, we might be able to help you judge them. Shine the light from the top, down into the air cell.