Thanks for the incubator model, that helped. I copied some of the instructions as I'm not familiar with that incubator.
In AUTO mode the turn system will switch itself off at day 2 on the Day Countdown. If using ON mode the turning must be switched to OFF manually in the control menu.
You need to assure the turner has stopped. I assume you've done that.
13.3 For cleanliness it is recommended to place a sheet of kitchen paper or similar in the bottom of the incubator under the eggs when they are due to hatch. Tear a hole in the middle to fit over the water pots. This also helps the chicks stand more comfortably.
These Brits. Their "kitchen paper" is the anti-slip mat. Adding that is a recommendation, not a requirement. I totally understand how it could make clean-up a lot easier. I don't know how slick the material is on the bottom of that incubator. It's generally recommended that the surface the chicks walk on not be really slick, it can possibly cause them to slip and cause splayed legs. That's why dry newspaper is not a good choice to put in the bottom of a brooder, dry newspaper can be slick.
13.5 Hatching humidity levels need to be high (see section 8 above). Ensure the water pots are full to above the divider between them. Fit the water pot guard to prevent chicks drowning.
I assume you did this.
During hatching the high humidity levels will fall dramatically when the lid is lifted and will take some time to build up. Resist the temptation to open the incubator frequently – leave for at least 6 hours between inspections.
This is your dilemma. How often does a chick get splayed leg from a slick surface? Not often really. The odds are fairly poor but it can certainly happen. It is possible after an egg pips that you can shrink-wrap a chick by opening the incubator. The membrane that surrounds a chick in the shell can dry out and shrink around the chick, preventing it from moving enough to hatch. Again, this doesn't happen often but I've done it, shrink wrap can happen. The longer they are exposed to low humidity the larger your odds of a problem. That doesn't stop me from opening my incubator if I have an emergency to deal with but I don't open it casually. Sometimes life doesn't give you an easy option, I think that's where you are at.
So where do you go from here? You could call
Brinsea and see what they recommend. They should know that incubator better than anyone else.
You could do nothing and take a chance with that slick surface. The odds of a problem are fairly low but there is a risk. You would not expect that a company with the reputation
Brinsea has would put a surface that slick on the bottom, but maybe they make it slick so it is easy to clean and expect people to follow directions. I know you will next time.
You could take the incubator into a bathroom (assuming you have a suitable location) turn the shower on really hot and raise the humidity really high, then put that mat in place. This would greatly reduce the chances of shrink-wrap.
There are some other tricks you can use to try to reduce the humidity loss. Maybe spritz the eggs occasionally with warm water while the incubator is open. Maybe wrap the eggs in damp paper towels to keep humidity up. Just don't get excited and drop an egg trying to hurry.
I'm not sure what I'd do in this situation. Calling
Brinsea would probably be at the top of my list, then be guided by them. Good luck!
but at least i'll remember for next time.
