Early hatcher...Update: lost him

[jdeggs]

I started the lockdown, around midnight, last night. The incubator is maintaining 69% humidity and 100 degrees temp.

I could hear chirping as I was making sure that the temp and humidity were good around 11pm last night.

Well, one that was chirping just peeped.

My concern is that they weren't suppose to hatch until Sat/Sun. They others are not making any noise yet or anything.

If the others wait until Sat/Sun, can I break the lockdown to remove the one hatchling after its 24-48 drying period?

I read that they can live in the incubator for up to 3 days without food or water. Has anyone done this with success?

This is my first time hatching eggs. My question may sound silly, but better safe than sorry.

My Brahmas were laid on April 3rd, they were placed in the incubator on April 8th (received via us Mail). At day 18, they go in lock down.

Do I count the days from when they were laid or from when they went into the incubator?

Reply:

An egg does not have 24 hours worth of development two seconds or two hours after it goes in the incubator. It takes 24 hours for it to have a day's worth of development. Lockdown should be after 18 days of development. Eggs should hatch after 21 days of development. An easy way to tell when they should hatch is that they should hatch the day of the week you put them in. If you started them on a Sunday, they should hatch on a Sunday.

Since you started them on Sunday April 8, lockdown should be Thursday April 26. Hatch should be Sunday April 29.

 

[jdeggs]

The one hatching now, is still vocal. Chirps every other minute. He has already started to zip the shell, but now is doing nothing. I can see the him and the shell moving from his breathing.

I'm worried that he might be stuck cause he is early and been in lockdown less than an hour.

Grrrrrr

 

[yinepu]

I started the lockdown, around midnight, last night. The incubator is maintaining 69% humidity and 100 degrees temp.

I could hear chirping as I was making sure that the temp and humidity were good around 11pm last night.

Well, one that was chirping just peeped.

My concern is that they weren't suppose to hatch until Sat/Sun. They others are not making any noise yet or anything.

If the others wait until Sat/Sun, can I break the lockdown to remove the one hatchling after its 24-48 drying period?

I read that they can live in the incubator for up to 3 days without food or water. Has anyone done this with success?

sometimes they hatch a day or two early.. so long as they are not deformed they should be ok... if this chick hatches you can move him to the brooder as soon as he's dry.. the time it takes to remove the chick won't hurt the other eggs unless you have a bunch pipped and leave the bator open for too long

The one hatching now, is still vocal. Chirps every other minute. He has already started to zip the shell, but now is doing nothing. I can see the him and the shell moving from his breathing.

I'm worried that he might be stuck cause he is early and been in lockdown less than an hour.

Grrrrrr

he's probably just resting.. give him some time... hatching is hard work!

 

[jdeggs]

And I thought watching paint dry was hard to do.

thank you for replying and the advice.

 

[yinepu]

And I thought watching paint dry was hard to do.

thank you for replying and the advice.

lol.. you should try hatching emu eggs.. 50 to 60 days incubation.. and you can't candle them!

 

[jdeggs]

oh wow, I'm all nerves now. I don't think I could handle not knowing if they are developing okay.

 

[yinepu]

oh wow, I'm all nerves now. I don't think I could handle not knowing if they are developing okay.

go fix yourself a cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer).. take a deep breath and RELAX....

 

[jdeggs]

I put on a movie to keep me distracted. Getting ready to start another. I try to only check on him every 30-45 minutes. Still no improvement on coming out of his shell. However, he is still chirping and stretching. So all good so far.

 

[steveclank]

That's exactly what mine is doing right now. Though their scheduled hatch is tomorrow. I can't sleep!

 

[jdeggs]

I know the feeling. I was up until 1am last night making sure the humidity and temp (for lockdown) were regulated before going to bed. I'm wanting to stay up tonight but I think i am going to lose the battle.

But he chirps pretty loud. Can hear him in the other room with the TV on...haha. Hope that means he's strong and healthy.