Incubating?

[amyjo07]

Alright... I am wondering if you can move eggs to an incubator after they have already starting to grow? My hen has hatched a few out and now when another one starts to hatch she will eat part of the shell exposing the membrane. I think this is why the last one didn't make it. Is there anything I can do to hatch the rest out without their shells being helped along (so to speak). I don't know if it would work to move the remaining eggs to an incubator or not. Please help!

 

[lightchick]

Yes, it will work to move the rest of the eggs to an incubator.

 

[amyjo07]

If the others hatch out successfully with in the incubator would I be able to put them back with the hen? If I could how long after they hatch out?

 

[thehackleguy]

The chicks need to be close to the same age and should go back to the hen ASAP after hatching, early in the evening (just after dark). Once the chicks are in the brooder and start eating and drinking on their own they usually won't stay with the hen. They need to be imprinted with her very early as their mother. If you don't do this they usually will free range about further than the hen can protect them and also don't listen well when she calls them.