Moved eggs from broody to incubator

[Abbkayx]

Hi!

I posted the other day asking if I could move hens from a broody (who decided after two babies she didn’t want to sit on her eggs anymore). I moved them and I’m at 99.5 temp and about 45-50% humidity. I just candled the eggs and I’m sure I see movement in at least two of the eggs (there is 6 total).

My problem is, I don’t know exactly WHEN day 18, “lockdown” day is. I have an approximate guess that my hen went broody on the 25th of March. Whether eggs were added a few days later or not, I don’t know.

So how do I go about lockdown in a case like this? Anyone have any ideas? Also humidity should be at what during lockdown?

Thank you so much!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You don't need to do lockdown on exactly day 18.
It can be as early as day 15 or even as late as day 20 as long as none have pipped.

 

[chickens really]

Hello I'd then guess and Lockdown roughly two days before you think they are due. Don't panick because Lockdown only is higher humidity and if Air cells are correct they hatch.

 

[Abbkayx]

Thank you! So what should humidity be for lockdown? I thought I read 70% somewhere? Is that right?

 

[chickens really]

Forced air incubator?

 

[Abbkayx]

Forced air incubator?

No it’s a still air. I wanted the forced air but it was out of my price range at the time lol.

 

[chickens really]

65 to 70 depends on the humidity in your area too.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think it is important to remember that humidity isn't a set number. Moisture may transpire from my eggs at a significantly different rate than your eggs. IMO, if the eggs have lost the correct weight throughout incubation, I think one wants to get the humidity as high as possible at the end. If the glass gets condensation on it, that is too much.

 

[Abbkayx]

Thank you again. This is my first time incubating so everything is super new lol. My humidity has been pretty consistent at 45-50%, tomorrow im going to lockdown so I’m slowly trying to increase humidity. My bator has water channels at the bottom and those are completely filled, and I added a wet sponge and have only mananged to get 57% humidity. Hoping I can get it high enough for the babies.

 

[ChickNanny13]

The reason you want it higher is for the air cell to "grow" for them to pip into. Had you calibrated the temp & humidity prior? Update us with chick pics