We're excited about our first hatch...day 19. I'm confused as to whether to leave hatchlings in the incubator or take them out. I've read conflicting things. A friend hatches eggs every year and takes them out once they are dry....but I've read elsewhere that the humidity levels can be ruined by opening the incubator--so leave them in. So, when do we take them out??? Will the hatchlings not hit the hatching eggs and make it harder on them? Not sure if it matters, but we have a Genesis Hova-Bator. Thanks in advance!! Stephanie
Good morning! It is much better to leave them in the bator so the humidity levels don't drop. If a chick is in the process of hatching, you could mess that up when you let the humidity levels drop. As long as the hatched chicks aren't sitting/sleeping on top of the eggs that are trying to hatch, leave them in there. If it looks like it is getting to crowded in the bator and the chicks are interrupting the others that are trying to hatch, crack the lid just enough to get your hand in there and quickly snatch the hatched chicks out. Only do this if ABSOLUTELY necessary. I had to remove some from my bator and messed up three chicks that were trying to hatch. I had to help two because the membrane dried out and they were stuck and the other died. Just speaking from first hand experience! Good luck with your hatch and WELCOME TO BYC!!!
They are fine in the bator for 24 - 48 hours. During that time they are living on the absorbed yolk sac and won't really be interested in eating or drinking. Once your hatch is complete or if you experience over crowding, take them out straight to a warm brooder with food and water.
They can stay in the incubator for up to 2 days. Then you can transfer them to the brooder once the hatch is all done, and give them food and water. If you take the hatchlings out before the hatch is done, you could put the other hatching chicks at risk, because when you open the incubator, you let out warmth and humidity.
Thanks for the advice! We're on day 20 now with no activity yet....this is just like waiting for childbirth labor to begin!