First time hatching….when can I remove chicks?

[mptclinics]

Today is day 21, and several eggs pipped this morning. The first chick hatched around 2:30 pm, and the second hatched around 5 pm. Most of the remaining 15 have pipped, moved, or cheeped, and I'm not sure when it's safe to open the incubator. Almost everything I've read says don't open for 24-36 hours, or until all eggs have hatched (whichever comes sooner). However, several have suggested the chicks will start to dehydrate from the warm moving air if they stay longer than 8 hours. I'm confused as to what to do. We have a hovabator with air-circulating fan. Can someone please advise? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bryam]

Wait till they all hatch!

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Today is day 21, and several eggs pipped this morning.  The first chick hatched around 2:30 pm, and the second hatched around 5 pm.  Most of the remaining 15 have pipped, moved, or cheeped, and I'm not sure when it's safe to open the incubator.  Almost everything I've read says don't open for 24-36 hours, or until all eggs have hatched (whichever comes sooner).  However, several have suggested the chicks will start to dehydrate from the warm moving air if they stay longer than 8 hours.  I'm confused as to what to do.  We have a hovabator with air-circulating fan.  Can someone please advise?  Thanks in advance!

I think the key is not to open the incubator too often and let your heat out. I am not a hatching expert but I take out the dry fluffy chicks because once the get their balance they run over the new hatchlings and I feel sorry for them. As you can see, my reason is not scientific.

 

[mptclinics]

At this point, the first chick has been running around in there for 7 hours, but I will soon head to bed. Will he be OK to stay in there with the heat, humidity, and circulating air at least until morning?

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Again, not a expert but I understand they are good for a day or so.

But you know you are kidding yourself if you really think you will sleep tonight with all that action going on in the incubator!

 

[WingsWhitetail]

I leave mine for a day or so, until they are almost if not completely dry and fluffed up. I haven't had any problems yet with them running around and bumping the other unhatched eggs (knock on wood) where it has caused any hatching problem.