First Incubation questions

[SusanMc]

My eggs are 2 days from lockdown. I have taken out the clear ones, but there are a few that just look dark, with an air sac, those have coloured shells.
How long do you leave the incubator closed, after the 21 days ?
How long do leave the chicks in the incubator after they have hatched?
How long do you wait to assist a chick whose having trouble getting out ?
How long does it take for the chicks to hatch?

yipppeee

 

[WonkierZulu]

I would leave the chicks until you are certain of all the other eggs won't hatch. Also leave the wet chicks in the incubator until they are dry. The max I held my chicks in an incubator was about 48 hrs. Be sure your brooder is set up and ready. Also it takes 19-21 (Bantams usually 19-20th day) days to hatch had some hatch on the 22nd day. I usually wait until the 25th day to throw out any eggs that didn't hatch. I have not had one hatch after the 22nd day in my experience. Otherwise enjoy it is an awesome experience if you this is your first time.

 

[SusanMc]

I would leave the chicks until you are certain of all the other eggs won't hatch. Also leave the wet chicks in the incubator until they are dry. The max I held my chicks in an incubator was about 48 hrs. Be sure your brooder is set up and ready. Also it takes 19-21 (Bantams usually 19-20th day) days to hatch had some hatch on the 22nd day. I usually wait until the 25th day to throw out any eggs that didn't hatch. I have not had one hatch after the 22nd day in my experience. Otherwise enjoy it is an awesome experience if you this is your first time.

I have made a brooder out of a tote with a heating pad cave. how warm should it be in the cave ? 90 ? I have a towel down for bedding until they start eating and drinking.
I just hope I get a few chicks !

 

[WonkierZulu]

People say 95 degrees then decrease it by 5 degrees each week until it hits ambient temp. I usually do 90 degrees chicks tend to not get pasty butt as much but I provide them with chick boost in there water. I also inadjust the temp decearse the temp on how they behave. If they are away for the heat its too hot.. Also if you keep it to warm to long they will have slower feathering in my experience.

 

[SusanMc]

Thanks so much these first chicks I have incubated are different than the chicks from the hatchery, I want to be the best human chick mamma I can

 

[WonkierZulu]

They hatch yet?

 

[SusanMc]

Today is lockdown day 18. I am trying to keep humidity to 50-60 %, but it keeps going down, and I keep adding a bit more. Should I be able to hear peeps by now, how soon after a chick hatches and dries off stands up etc should I put it into the brooder. I am fretting myself silly, so decided to get on the rat patrol, and look after my 11 week old chicks...

I made a new brooder with the mama heating pad, cave of heat for my new chicks... I just want even 1 to hatch
becoming more frantic by the minute

 

[WonkierZulu]

I hear peeps more into day 20 I would worry.

 

[SusanMc]

Omg what would I do

 

[WonkierZulu]

Wouldn't worry