lock down and hatching question!

[AshleyMeurs]

Hi All,

We just got an incubator and started 9 eggs (would have been 10 one was dropped!) that may or may not be fertilized... they are from our own hens and roos. they were started on Sat and i have just done my research on candeling so i am good to go there with checking on that as the days go on... my question is when it comes time to hatch (fingers crossed we get to that point!) i have read the chicks can be fine in the incubator for up to 3 days so that is cool... what if one dies though before the rest are out? i know its suposto be lock down and all but is there ever a reason to open the lid? and if they are not all out by 3 days after the first has hatched should we wait or get the hatched ones out and in to the brooder for food and water? i just dont want to compromise the eggs or chicks at any stage and feel the end is a really delicate time with lock down and all... any thoughts answers or comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[phoenix912]

Lockdown is supposed to be just that but it also depends on your incubator and how comfortable you are about opening it. If the incubator recovers temp and humidity quickly and you have an emergency use your own judgment. Lot's of people will tell you not to open it lot's will tell you to go ahead and open it. Basically it your call. Go by how many eggs you have left and which is more important the already hatched one's or the unhatched one's.