multiple hatch dates with only one incubator

[je]

I only have one incubator and I have two shipments of eggs coming tomorrow, a third shipment will be delayed at least a week because his hens are not cooperating. Has anyone hatched eggs with multiple hatch dates in the same incubator? If so, any advice.

 

[EricShane]

i think where it really matters is turning them..

 

[Ruditchka]

Quote:
Exactly! if you're turning by hand or have removable turner racks, it shouldn't be a problem...

 

[je]

I think each row pops out of the turner or I can try turning by hand the last week. Thanks. I was hoping it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[misty7850]

I had had multiple hatch dates wirh only 1 incubator. I had 6 eggs from my own chickens. My niece had too many in her incubator when she bought a turner so ended up with 6 from her incubator into mine, then a neighbor brought 4 silkie eggs to add to the rest.. Just make sure you quit turning each on the correct dates.. I had 90% hatch from mine.
I since have made myself another incubator.

 

[Akane]

Your problem comes when it's time for the first batch to hatch. You should stop turning, raise humidity, and not open the bator from day 18 until after hatch or you risk killing the ones that are hatching. During that time what happens to your other set of eggs? The higher humidity will keep them from losing the moisture they need to for possibly 4 or 5days and they won't get turned unless you leave a turner running which has risks for the ones hatching. No matter what you do you're likely to get a lower hatch rate from one set of eggs or the other. That's why people keep a 2nd incubator running as a hatcher when they do staggered hatches. Then you can have 1 incubator running hatching conditions and one running incubating conditions and just move the eggs when they reach day 18.

 

[magikchick]

You need to set up a hatcher. You can build one or buy a cheap incubator. As the eggs are 18 days move them into the hatcher and bump up the humidity. This also keeps you incubator clean. I have a used LG that I use for hatching in and my hova-bator for incubating.

 

[KattyKillFish]

Quote:
all of this is a relief to hear. what about the humidity? is that not such a big deal when it comes to different hatch dates? i run the humidity at around 70% during the hatch and 40% during incubation..

 

[chickie_mama]

Hee hee do what I did.... take the plunge..... buy another 'bator!