hatching -lights on or off?!

[Nabiki]

I read an article that recommended using lighting in an incubator either for 12 or 24 hours a day would improve hatchability and result in less stressed chicks and also using red LED lighting can be used for same reason. It was also recommended that light was left on for a few days during and post hatch to enable the chicks to eat and drink 24/7 in the most important days following hatch.

I've always given my chicks a night. I use reptile heat bulbs so they have the warmth while still getting enough sleep.

 

[007Sean]

I'm 'old school', I have red heat lamps in my brooders. I haven't notice any cannibalism in quail chicks, from running a light source 24/7. Even in adult quail I haven't witnessed cannibalism, only aggression! If it's not noticed until the bird has been killed, it will stop at that time...they don't continue to 'feed' on the dead bird.

As far as light in the incubator, if your incubator is setup properly, there shouldn't be much ambient light getting into the incubator. Doesn't mean you have to set it up in a totally dark room but shouldn't be near windows for reasons other than light.
I haven't notice any decerable differences in lights being on in the incubation room or whether they where not on, as far as having any effect on them hatching. When it's time to hatch....they hatch!