Questions about lockdown.

[Jada22]

My eggs were set Tuesday 22nd at 11pm.
I’m slightly confused about how the days work. Today the 5th at 11pm will be day?
When do I put them in to lockdown? I think they should be in lockdown on day 14 just not sure exactly when that is.
I have a hatching app which says lockdown should be on the 8th but that sounds a bit early?

If anyone has pics of how eggs should look now or going in to lockdown that would be appreciated too. Any advice is welcome.
The eggs I have are jumbo Pharos and jumbo Italians.

 

[Nabiki]

If you set the eggs on the 22nd, the 8th is day 14. You don't have to be exact on lockdown date. One day early or late isn't going to make much of a difference.

 

[Jada22]

If you set the eggs on the 22nd, the 8th is day 14. You don't have to be exact on lockdown date. One day early or late isn't going to make much of a difference.

Thank you, I had read if I set them Tuesday then Wednesday would be day 1. So I was confused about the lockdown day. I’ll put them in to lockdown on the 8th then

 

[coffee_and_quail]

Lockdown on day 14 or 15 seems to be the standard. I've done both and it didn't seem to make a difference, they both started pipping on day 16.

 

[Jada22]

Lockdown on day 14 or 15 seems to be the standard. I've done both and it didn't seem to make a difference, they both started pipping on day 16.

Thank you . Can I ask what you feed your quail chicks? The food I can find here highest protein is 20% but I think they need more protein than that?

 

[coffee_and_quail]

Thank you . Can I ask what you feed your quail chicks? The food I can find here highest protein is 20% but I think they need more protein than that?

We've been using this game bird starter crumble with 30% protein. They seem to really like it. We have to grind it smaller for the first week or two, but after that they'll eat it as is.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/purina-game-bird-and-turkey-starter-30-40-lb-3005640-305

 

[Nabiki]

Thank you . Can I ask what you feed your quail chicks? The food I can find here highest protein is 20% but I think they need more protein than that?

20% is okay for adults, but chicks need 28-30%. Purina startena is good, but if you can't find that, you might try a turkey starter.

 

[Jada22]

I’ve found one place that does feed for all stages- starter being 27% would that be okay? Does the protein have to be lowered when they reach 4 weeks and again at 8 weeks? They only sell 20kg bags which would probably last forever. Could I just mix with a good low in protein rather than wasting the extra?

 

[Nabiki]

I’ve found one place that does feed for all stages- starter being 27% would that be okay? Does the protein have to be lowered when they reach 4 weeks and again at 8 weeks? They only sell 20kg bags which would probably last forever. Could I just mix with a good low in protein rather than wasting the extra?

27% protein should be okay. When your birds reach around 8 weeks you can start mixing in a regular layer feed. That will make sure your hens have enough calcium for egg production while lowering the protein at the right time in their lives.

 

[Jada22]

27% protein should be okay. When your birds reach around 8 weeks you can start mixing in a regular layer feed. That will make sure your hens have enough calcium for egg production while lowering the protein at the right time in their lives.

Could I feed them other foods to up their protein? Maybe dried bugs crushed up?