My first time trying to hatch and I blew the dates. I set on 10-24. I will go into lock down on Friday 11-11. I work from 2 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday then I have exactly 7 hrs to drive home (45 minute) eat. sleep, shower and drive back to work (45 minutes). I will not be able to really be around until Monday night at 11:00 p.m.. I was thinking of doing a "just to see" addition of 3 more eggs on 11-3 or 11-4 as I will then be on vacation on lock down for the second set. Even though the new eggs will be in the bator during lock down for the first set of eggs I can use the ventilation holes to turn with. As for the increase of humidity during lock down for the first set of eggs I was thinking I can run the bator dry for a few days to bleed of the excess moisture they absorbed. I have all winter to play with this incubator (Hovabator 1602n). Although I am thinking i am getting a Brinsea eco for Christmas. (that's right Big Guy, your getting a VERY expensive range finder for Christams, do the math!)
you can put them in lockdown before you leave for work. i have read that it can be done with no harm to the chicks. some dont lockdown till the first pip
The most critical period for turning hatching eggs is during the first week of incubation; turning is not absolutely necessary after 15 days of incubation. So if you go into lockdown a little early or a little late you should be just fine.
You are correct to concider the humidity and how it effects the growing air cell. HOnestly, if you can, skip the addition of the extra eggs. Mixed hatches often don't result in good hatches. Just my experience. If they are special , then go for it. GL
