Guinea eggs

[Asr1979]

While I have hatched many chicken and quail eggs successfully this is my first time with Guinea fowl eggs. My husband found a large clutch of eggs on a job site and he was told that the hens were killed. They were at different stages of growth and since I was using three of my five incubators, I put them in the two that were not in use. It’s been two weeks and some eggs are incredibly full. I’ve never done a staggered hatch (and never will again) and am wondering the best way to handle this situation. Since it’s been at least two weeks should I take my chances and go ahead and lockdown? A couple/few have been wiggling and I’m concerned they’re getting ready to hatch. Thoughts?? Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[Debbie292d]

Guineas take nearly a week longer than chicks. Is there any way you could get two incubators going, candle them, and put the fuller ones into lockdown and the others perhaps not lockdown for another week?

With chicks, the last seven days aren't necessarily needed to be turned anyway, so it wouldn't probably hurt these to all just be in lockdown. I would just worry about a bunch starts pipping about the time the older ones were dry and could come out.

Welcome to BYC!

I hope you have a great hatch!

 

[Asr1979]

Thank you thank you! As luck would have it my Cemani’s hatched at least 4 days early. I’m going to candle them all and place the fullest eggs in that incubator this morning. Fingers crossed!!