First timer - very nervous

[Judechicks]

Hello all,
I am a Newbie to incubating/hatching. I have done research and research and more research. I have probably researched myself into a tizzy. Ok here are my questions:
1 - once a chick hatched, and has fluffed up how long can he/she be in the bator while the others finish. I am concerned that if I have an early guy hatch and the others don’t start until 48 hours later, what exactly should I do with the early one who is all ready to get out of the bator?

2 - we are using the Mama Heating Pad instead of a light. I have read dip their beaks in the water and then??? Put them in their cave? Will they remember where the water is?

3 - ANY information is thoroughly appreciated and wanted and needed lol.

thank you all for any help

 

[bobshere]

Your chicks can stay in the incubator for up to 72 hours. I wouldn’t be too concerned about that. Remember one thing, if you open the incubator you run the risk of shrink wrapping the rest of the pipped eggs by letting the humidity out so try not to open the incubator. With my experience if you have eggs that havnt hatched in that 72 hour span they likely won’t hatch or will have health issues. I usually have mine out in a couple of days. For the water and feed just tap on the top of the waterer with your fingernail and they’ll likely come running. Dip one or two beaks in the water, once one gets wind of it they rest will follow suit. They will find the water and food believe me. I removed mine from the incubator the other day and they instantly started drinking and eating.
As I said, the most crucial thing is not opening the incubator. Fill your water as late as you can before first pip. After that leave it closed and hope for the best.
Good luck with your chicks.
Happy times ahead.