Hatching Period Conflict with Lockdown Date

[web18designer]

Hello,

I'm hatching some eggs and found online that they hatch within 23-28 days and I should STOP the incubation from turning(Lockdown Date) at between the 20-24 day.

The problem is, if I stop the eggs on day 24, its possible that the eggs might have already hatched (ie: because they can hatch from day 23).

I notice that this problem is for quiet a few species of birds....Obviously if one hatches the same species of birds, one would know more accurately when they will hatch and adjust the lockdown day accordingly. however, lets assuming that I'm hatching the specie for the first time.

Anyone can put some light/insight on whats the common trend to tackle this situation?

some ideas/cases would be:

- Stop the egg turning (lockdown date) on the smallest day, meaning on the 20th day (but if the eggs hatch on the 28day, that would be a full 8 days without egg turning)

- Stop the egg turning (lockdown date) on the largest day, meaning on the 24th day (but if the eggs hatch early on the 23day, they will hatch and the eggs would still be turning)


- Stop the egg turning mid way (on the 22) (if the eggs hatch early on the 23day then they can hatch on the 23rd too....or if they hatch on the largest day, on the 28 that would be 5 days without egg turning)


any insight?

thanks

 

[lazy gardener]

You must know what species you are working with. Generally, lock down starts approximately 3 days before expected hatch.

 

[Flockandfowl46]

For instance I have done chicks and ducks together with success by putting my duck eggs in 7 days before my chicken eggs therefore my lockdown is the same ...hope that helps

 

[web18designer]

You must know what species you are working with. Generally, lock down starts approximately 3 days before expected hatch.

Thanks for the message. Just to clarify, yes I obviosuly know the specie of birds. I'm just asking a general question to hatching experts on what they do when a bird hatching chart is something like below:

Whatever Bird Specie
Hatch in: 23-28 days
Lockdown in: 20-24 day



Note: the problem is that the above dates are ranges, and they conflict.

 

[web18designer]

For instance I have done chicks and ducks together with success by putting my duck eggs in 7 days before my chicken eggs therefore my lockdown is the same ...hope that helps

Its a little different from my question but thanks for trying

 

[Kiki]

Thanks for the message. Just to clarify, yes I obviosuly know the specie of birds. I'm just asking a general question to hatching experts on what they do when a bird hatching chart is something like below:

Whatever Bird Specie
Hatch in: 23-28 days
Lockdown in: 20-24 day



Note: the problem is that the above dates are ranges, and they conflict.

I have not seen the dates vary by that many days ever.
If it is a chicken egg it (a random internet chart) may say hatch in 19-22 days...
I would suggest you keep a close eye on the eggs and when they start to draw down stop turning them.

 

[web18designer]

I have not seen the dates vary by that many days ever.
If it is a chicken egg it (a random internet chart) may say hatch in 19-22 days...
I would suggest you keep a close eye on the eggs and when they start to draw down stop turning them.

Thanks for the reply. Actually there are specie of birds (some waterfowls too) with such fluctuations (not chicken eggs however).

Your recommendation is good, one could also candle the eggs to check the progress and act accordingly. Unfortunately this is not an option for me, i kind of am looking for how to tackle this without a hands on approach. (ie: from day one of incubation i need to know the best lock-down date - or rather, the safest one)

thanks

 

[Kiki]

Thanks for the reply. Actually there are specie of birds (some waterfowls too) with such fluctuations (not chicken eggs however).

Your recommendation is good, one could also candle the eggs to check the progress and act accordingly. Unfortunately this is not an option for me, i kind of am looking for how to tackle this without a hands on approach. (ie: from day one of incubation i need to know the best lock-down date - or rather, the safest one)

thanks

If you can be more specific as to which type of egg maybe we can help you with a more exact number.

 

[Kiki]

Just a side note:

I wasn't paying attention to the incubator once.
The eggs starting externally pipping a few days before I expected so I hadn't even been looking for the internal pip.

The egg turner was still on up until I noticed the external pip.
I turned it off that second and the eggs hatched fine a few hours later.

 

[lazy gardener]

It sounds to me like you don't have any species in mind, and are not hatching, just curious. Otherwise, you would post the name of the species you are inquiring about. For more detailed information, I would go to a more specific search for each species you are looking at.

Hatch dates can vary based on the strain of the bird involved, and the ability of the person to manage the incubator to achieve ideal temps. More goes into lock down decisions than just choosing a day. You must also be aware of air cell sizes, embryonic development, and manage lock down accordingly. In the case of chickens, the chick starts getting into hatching position on day 14. So, you could stop turning at that time. But, the decision to increase humidity is based on air cell size. Sometimes I increase humidity on day 17. Other times I must run completely dry until the first INTERNAL pip. IMO, it's not possible to achieve a good hatch without continuous monitoring of the clutch of eggs as well as the bator temp and humidity.