Opening incubator during hatch?

[roostorf]

I have a hova-bator genesis and just had my first successful hatch, most hatched, but i was wondering do i take the chicks out? Are they disrupting the other eggs from hatching? They tromp around in there, but I started taking them out as they hatched and saw the hatchability in other egg decrease due to membranes drying out.

 

[dyoungen]

I can't speak for others but when a hen is setting on eggs she gets up for a short while to eat and drink so myself, I raise the top for a few mins every day or two. I don't completely remove the top, just crack it a few inches on one side. I have a hovabator something the best I can tell. Bought it used so don't really know the name but I bought an egg turner from "Hovabator" and it works perfectly. Did mess up once and left the top cracked from midnight till 8 the next morning and still had about half hatch. That was chickens I messed up with. As for when to remove the keets, I remove the chicks or keets when they are dry but not untill then.

 

[IncubatorWarehouse.com]

It may be other factors, I doubt that it's from removing chicks, it's probably due to factors earlier in the incubation period. It sounds like it may have been the humidity.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

I always removed just hatched, wet chicks and their shells from the bator immediately. I put them in a down coverlet that has been warmed up nice with a heating pad. I cover them completely, they zonk out instantly. They feel warm and secure, just like Ma! I leave them like this, adding newcomers as they hatch, for 12 hours. After 12 hrs I want them to get up and start moving those little legs. I have healthy successful hatches and healthy chicks. I feel my way is the best for their stress level. It just doesn't seem natural to put them in an open area with a glaring light on them right at hatch. Mine love the down, heating pad scene!

 

[lazy gardener]

More details please: Do you keep the heating pad running under the comforter? Do you keep a thermometer in there? What temp is it? This sounds like a wonderful way for the chickies to greet the world.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

More details please: Do you keep the heating pad running under the comforter? Do you keep a thermometer in there? What temp is it? This sounds like a wonderful way for the chickies to greet the world.

I use the heating pad for initial warm up--it's too warm to leave on, even on low. I don't check temps, I check how they feel and also they will cheep a lot if cold. If I find one with cold feet I fire up the heating pad for no more than 4 minutes and hold my hand under the nest and put the cold lil footed one cupped in my hand under down throw until feet are warm. I don't have much problem at all with cold ones and after 3 or 4 get in there they are snug as a bug. They literally don't make a peep! I feel they need a cozy rest after hatching more than anything.

 

[Angiecast]

I use the heating pad for initial warm up--it's too warm to leave on, even on low. I don't check temps, I check how they feel and also they will cheep a lot if cold. If I find one with cold feet I fire up the heating pad for no more than 4 minutes and hold my hand under the nest and put the cold lil footed one cupped in my hand under down throw until feet are warm. I don't have much problem at all with cold ones and after 3 or 4 get in there they are snug as a bug. They literally don't make a peep! I feel they need a cozy rest after hatching more than anything.

 

[Angiecast]

Aww I'm gonna do that too! You're a good momma

 

[Wendy12]

I have two quail hatch b4 lockdown. Is it alright to open incubator and put them in Brooder after 3 hrs????

 

[MrsKaz]

I've got an early hatcher running around, dry and peeping. It's sibling is pushing out. Another just broke its shell. Brooder is warm and set. I've heard they don't prosper alone, so I want to put it in brooder with company. And I'm afraid opening it will stop progress..my first hatch myself, so each hatch is food for my family. So it's comfort and wellbeing is paramount.