Is the 3-day Rule For Removing Chicks From the Bator True?

[DAFox]

http://pvj.com.pk/pdf-files/24_1/46-51.pdf
Pg 48 - 49 of the report -- even the scientists don't agree.
Dale-Ann

 

[sourland]

Most instances of broodies staying on the nest for extended periods after chicks are hatched are caused by eggs being added to the nest after the initial set date. The hens detect motion or peeping in the remaining eggs and refuse to leave the nest. Introduce all your eggs to a broody at the same time, allow no other hens to deposit eggs in the nest, and GENERALLY hens will leave the nest within 24 hours of the chicks hatching. Once upon a time when we hatched lots of birds (varying species), we removed hatchlings at 12 hour intervals and always had good hatch rates. Continual opening and closing of incubators is what causes most hatching problems.

 

[darkmatter]

I usaully leave my incubator til the next day to take the chicks out, by then 90% of the hatch is done and fluffy. Occasionally there are a few late hatches, but they rarely survive, there's usaully a reason for them to be late. I had a late season "bad timing broody" this year, she stayed on the nest for three days before leaving with the hatch taking three days to hatch 8 out of 9 eggs with 7 surviving to make it to the floor. I did put a small cup of water in the nest and scratch the third day and the hen ate and drank with the first 3 chicks that hatched also partaking, the others didn't until off the nest.

You can see how fluffy the first three chicks are, they did eat and drink what I provided the third day the broody stayed on the nest. By the fourth day she did leave and start showing them around, the last two, I had to remove from the nest and place them with her on the Coop floor.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Quote:
They tell to to be sure and force water into chicks arriving from hatcheries A.S.A.P. because it takes 2 to 3 days for the mail. Hatcheries ensure you get delivery within 3 days of hatch as that's what reserve of energy/food/water the yolk will provide.