NR360 Floor Grate in Lockdown

[SCMommaHen]

I'm in day 20/21 with a new NR 360 purchased from TSC this month. I verified I have the latest model. I just read about the flooring holes large enough to let a foot get caught. I have 2 sets of eggs with 2/3 on day 21 and 1/3 on day 20. One has pipped, beak in and out, chirping (so exciting!! First batch). It's one of only 2 Crevoceur I have. Should I open it up to put in a liner? With 18 eggs it will take a few minutes. I don't want to risk losing her to humidity drop. Unfortunately my son has 4 soccer games this weekend (last of season thankfully) and I can't be home 100% to watch them. I do have a camera on them and daughter can keep an eye on them somewhat.

Should I open it to put in a liner? Has the grate been improved in recent models?
*Sorry for the double post*

 

[SCMommaHen]

I just checked again and 4 more pipped. At this point I guess I can only watch and pray.

 

[Chickenwingwing]

I think it will be ok, the rubber mat is not necessary. Just watch the chicks once they are out and remove them from the incubator if they look stuck

 

[Mmanist]

I've never had problems with the NR360 grating. I wouldn't worry to much!

 

[SCMommaHen]

Glad I didn't rush in! This BO just hatched! I'm a momma!!! She's flopping all over my carefully placed eggs. Should I worry they'll be turned upside down?

 

[Chickenwingwing]

Yay! Congrats! I would leave the baby in there for a few hours, let it dry a little and take it out. It’s personal preference though, so it’s up to you

 

[Mmanist]

I usually leave them to fluffy up. Then carefully and quickly take them out. Super cute! Congratulations

 

[SCMommaHen]

15 hatched and no one got their feet stuck! 1 hatched with unabsorbed yolk sack. He immediately tried to stand and flopped over right on it bursting it. It all went right through the grate. So the next 4 that hatched didn't get anything on them thankfully. That would've been a big mess if I did have a liner in there. It's been 10 hrs and he still has the sac attached (never bled) but looks so thin. I tried to get him to drink but he wouldn't have it. He's full of energy so I'm still hopeful. Any advice?

 

[Chickenwingwing]

15 hatched and no one got their feet stuck! 1 hatched with unabsorbed yolk sack. He immediately tried to stand and flopped over right on it bursting it. It all went right through the grate. So the next 4 that hatched didn't get anything on them thankfully. That would've been a big mess if I did have a liner in there. It's been 10 hrs and he still has the sac attached (never bled) but looks so thin. I tried to get him to drink but he wouldn't have it. He's full of energy so I'm still hopeful. Any advice?

yay! I'm glad the grate worked out. Maybe feed the little chick a little mushed hard-boiled egg yolk.

 

[SCMommaHen]

Update...17 of 18 hatched! The 18th appeared to be a late quitter. The one born with sac didn't make it last night. 16 was more than I hoped for. Great incubator though cleaning is a pain. I hatched 10 different breeds. Attempting to sex by feathers wasn't as obvious as I hoped. They all looked so different. Guess I'll find out in a few weeks!