Failure to Lock Down at Day 18

[FriedChicky]

Hi! I'm new to BYC, although for the past 2 1/2 years during our chicken adventures we have relied on all of you for lots of support, and I'm very grateful. We have been so successful at our chicken ventures: growing, feeding, selling, incubating, hatching, healing, even stitching up and we owe a lot of our success to all of you for the multitudes of advice and info. Here's my question:
We loaned out incubator (styrofoam hand me down with new turner) and about 25 eggs to some friends who have incubated before. They called today to ask about when to lock down. Today is day 21. Has anyone accidentally locked down that late and had success? Please, please no judgement or criticism. I already feel terrible. Thank you.

 

[sourland]

If the eggs were viable to begin with, failure to lockdown should not completely jeopardize the hatch.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join us here! I too agree it should not totally jeopardise the eggs but I would stop turning them and put the humidity as soon as possible which I'm sure they have already done.

Good luck for the eggs and enjoy BYC

 

[FriedChicky]

Thanks! we w

 

[N F C]

I hope things turn out ok!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending good hatching vibes your way

 

[FriedChicky]

Thanks so much! I'll let you know!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us. I hope that all goes well with the incubation and that find a little time to share your experience and knowledge with the community.

All the best
CT

 

[FriedChicky]

Thanks for the interest! They had 12 chicks hatch and they are all doing well!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Thanks for the interest! They had 12 chicks hatch and they are all doing well!

I would change the newspaper for bedding though, newspaper can cause them leg problems. Mainly splay leg as they can't grip to it.