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How long can the hatched chicks stay in bator?

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by blueberrychickens, Feb 24, 2012.

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  1. Feb 24, 2012 #1
    blueberrychickens

    blueberrychickens Chillin' With My Peeps

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    May 12, 2010
    Hudson, MA
    A little over half of the chicks have hatched, 3 still have pips in them. Is it ok to leave the chicks that have hatched in the bator till tmrw? Tmrw they will be 2 days old. They are ok for 48 hours, right???
    As badly as I want to take them out, I know I can't til the final 3 pipped eggs hatch.
     
  3. Feb 24, 2012 #2
    cupman

    cupman Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Apr 12, 2011
    Portland, OR
    I've heard they are fine up to 3 days old. I know pipped eggs run the risk of getting stuck if the humidity spikes too much so I would leave the lid on unless the chicks appear to be under duress. I have recovered chicks from my incubator throughout lockdown.. I just crack the lid maybe 4 inches and dart my hand in there to recover the chicks and close.. entire process is less than 10 seconds. Humidity does drop but never more than about 5 or 6 percent.

    It's a risk but it's your call. Good luck with your birds.
     

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