If anyone knows, if I already have a batch of eggs in my incubator and I am 7 days into the incubation process, could I put my eggs I got for this week into the incubator with them or would I just have to wait? I only have one incubator as of right now. So what I mean is, if I date this second batch of eggs, could I put them in with the batch I already have incubating or not?
Hello there and welcome to BYC! I am not one for staggard hatches but it can be done. However it is best to have a separate hatcher for the eggs ready for lock down so you are not disturbing the eggs incubating. So I would say wait. Good luck with your hatch!
Hi Glad you could join the flock! Adding eggs to already set eggs is not advisable but some do it as a staggered hatch. There is always a risk doing this as eggs at different stages of incubation require different levels of humidity. At lockdown day18 you need to put the humidity up to at least 65% which is not good for eggs set at a later date as they require lower humidity in order for them to lose enough moisture. Also with the turning of the eggs you need to stop at day 18 but later set ones still need to be turned and it's not advisable to hatch with the turner in the incubator. Which would mean you would have to open the incubator to hand turn them but doing this would risk lockdown eggs due to the humidity being lost opening the incubator. It's a catch 22 situation with risks. Hope this helps you a little. Enjoy BYC
Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you. I do not recommend putting more eggs in at this point. When the chicks hatch, they will disrupt the other eggs that aren't as far along. Also, you will likely have to hand turn the eggs, as the older batch won't need turning after 18 days, but the younger batch, being only 11 days along, will still need turning. Having multiple hatches in the same incubator spreads disease more easily, as well.
I think it would be better to concentrate on one hatching - hopefully successful, before getting into the complexities of staggered hatches. Other responders have given good reasons staggering them.
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Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with the hatch, X4 would not add the other eggs now if you only have one incubator. If you do it correctly you can store hatching eggs for 2 weeks or better if you have to and still get a decent hatch, http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/2183/storage-of-hatching-eggs
