How long can is it safe to leave hatched chicks in incubator?

[texaschickmom]

The first one hatched yesterday at noon. There are 11 others in there with 1 egg that pipped early this morning but has not begun to zip. I know I shouldn't open the incubator, but how long is it safe to leave the hatched ones in there?
HELP!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

3 full 24 hour days

 

[texaschickmom]

Quote:
Wow! I had no idea! This is only my 2nd hatch and the first time this has come up. Thanks, rebelcowboy! BTW...I have enjoyed your hatch cam!

 

[gryeyes]

You can remove them once they're all fluffed up IF there are no pips or zipped eggs at the time you open the 'bator to snatch 'em out. Otherwise, they're fine for 3 days because they're still "living off" the egg yolk. That's how baby chicks can be sent through the mail by hatcheries.

I generally wait at least 18 hours, anyway, if not more, depending on what else is left to hatch and how long it takes a new hatchling to get all frisky.

 

[texaschickmom]

Quote:
Thank you, Linda. Since I do have one pipped egg left in there, I will try not to worry about them tonight and get a good night's sleep. I need it! I also have 3 that never pipped, 2 of those I saw movement when I candled at lockdown. I'm feeling kind of low right now about that. This is only my 2nd hatch and I just need to remember that they're probably not all going to make it. A hard lesson...