Incubator times

[Heather n Gray]

Hello fellow chicken lovers,
I am hatching my very first batch of chicks and have been finding mixed reviews about how long I should leave them in the incubator after they hatch. With that comes my second question of how long after hatching until they need to eat and drink water? Your experiences and ideas are much appreciated.
Thank you,
Heather

 

[lightchick]

It's best to take them out when their dry. 72 hours until they need to eat and drink.
Some people think it's best to keep the chicks in the incubator until all the other eggs hatch.......It's really your choice.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Right after I take mine out of the incubator I dip their beaks in water and have feed in the brooder ready for them. I usually take mine out anywhere from 8 to 24 hours after hatching.

 

[Heather n Gray]

Thank you for your help!