How long can chicks remain in incubator?

[sjmjrgkmg]

We've been incubating eggs in my classroom, and due to my phenomenally poor math skills there's a chance they may have hatched today (Sunday) when no one is around to care for the chicks. Are they likely to be okay - if indeed we had any hatch (inexplicable drop in incubator temp Thursday morning) - if they spend the night in the incubator? I' m picturing fried chick fuzz from them bumping into the heating element and all kinds of wacky things.

 

[Dirt Road]

They should be fine.

Jim

 

[old mill poultry]

Chicks can stay in 24-48 hours, so they should be okay til morning.

 

[R@ndy]

When the chicks absorb their yokes,they are ok without water and food for a couple of days and incubator will keep them warm

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

72 hours. If they are born in a hatchery they may not get to you for 2-3 days.

 

[hinkjc]

Chicks can go without food and water for 72 hours because they absorb the yolk, which is their first source of nutrition. That is usually enough time for a hatch to complete and get them settled in the brooder. They should be just fine until you get to school tomorrow to check on things. Let us know how the hatch went.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I leave mine in 24 hours, no longer. I like to get them out once they are all fluffed up.

 

[SunshineSilkies]

I get mine out too when they are dry