Opening incubator during lock down?

[Skunkmiser]

I removed about 6 chicks out of incubator because they were dry and figured it must be time for them to go into brooder there are still 20 more unhatched eggs. It was only opened a couple of times while i removed the empty shells and took out chicks. Will this affect the other eggs hatchability?

 

[debilorrah]

Only if there were other pips at the time. The rule is do not open the bator if there are pips as you will remove humidity and shrink wrap them. Chicks are ok in the bator for up to 72 hours. However I do understand it is hard to watch them peering out at you begging to be released.

 

[Skunkmiser]

What is shrink wrapping them?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
When the humidity gets too low and the inner membrane dries out and wraps around the chick so it can't move to pip.

 

[Skunkmiser]

One egg was pipping and the membrane looks dry...should i help it?

 

[Skunkmiser]

Today was the 21st day...How long can it be viable if it just pipped today?

 

[debilorrah]

I would wait a minimum of 12 hours before helping. Can you see the membrane waving in the wind?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
If its pipped, it MAY be ok. see previous post.