Lock down question

[Milliemay]

I hope this hasn't already been posted and I missed it. I have eggs in the bator (my first hatch) that are due on the 19th. I have been reading about lockdown. My question is, do you leave the first chicks to hatch in the bator until all the eggs are hatched? or do you remove the chicks when they are dry to the brooder? I am a bit confused, thanks in advance for the help! I am so excited, the eggs are from my RIR rooster who is no longer with us, RIP Rooster Roy. They are BO, BA, and SLW crosses.

 

[EastinChickens]

Keep all the chicks in the bator until the eggs are completely hatched.


Good luck!!!

 

[rancher hicks]

If all don't hatch, give them a day or two after the hatching begins. After a couple of days call it quits and remove them and toss the unhatched eggs.

 

[gumpsgirl]

It really all depends on how many eggs and chicks you end up with in your bator. Of course it is better to leave the lid closed and not open it, but if your bator is getting crowded after 24 hrs. and things have slowed down, it is okay (well sometimes necessary) to quickly crack the lid of the bator enough to get your hand in and scoop out the chicks. I grab up as many as I can (usually 3 at a time) and head straight for the brooder with them. I only grab the ones that are completely fluffy and dry as well. I also make sure that my humidity levels are okay and if they drop I throw a wet sponge in.

Lots of luck to you!

 

[kelseygirl707]

One exception to the rule for me is if the chicks starts panting, it's rare, but if they are panting I remove them.

 

[Milliemay]

Thanks for the info. I can always count on fellow BYCer's to anwser my questions!!