LG- opening removable window to grab chick during lockdown bad?

[jimma207]

is this a no-no? does this count? my humidity didnt seem to drop much.anyone have an opinion on this? thanks

 

[Kittymomma]

It's not a good idea. The chicks live off the yolk sac they absorb right before hatching so they don't need food/water for 2-3 days.

If there is an emergency (chick in distress etc.) and you really have to open it up I've seen it suggested to crank the heat and hot shower up in the bathroom and bring the bator in there to do the deed.

The problem with opening it up during the hatch is that it lowers temps which can weaken chicks so they don't have the energy to break out of the shell and it lowers humidity which can cause the membrane to dry out and shrink wrap the chick making it unable to hatch.

ETA: Hopefully yours will be ok this time, but I'd suggest sitting on your hands next time you get the urge to pull a chick out.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

If for some reason I have to go in I go in with a spray bottle of hot water. The hot an wet makes up for the cold dry air that comes in.

 

[shadburnchicks]

We opened ours during lockdown over the weekend and caused 4 eggs to shrink wrap. They were pipped for almost 48 hours so we decided to help them out a little. All but one survived but I don't recommend opening the bator during lockdown.