questions about lockdown....

[aeg1001]

I have a few questions about the lockdown period. we have had chicks hatching at all different times of day and night. most with several days inbetween. i understand you are not suppose to open the incubator during this time but because of the egg turner, which i have grown to very much dislike, i have to open it and get the chicks out b4 they hurt themselves. could this be ruining our hatching rate???

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Are you turning the eggs while they are hatching?

 

[aeg1001]

no when i see one strarting to hatch i try to wait till the turner is level and then i unplug it.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
You are supposed to stop turning on day 18. That is what is messing up your hatches.

Are you doing staggard hatched, with other eggs in the incubator due to hatch later?

 

[aeg1001]

OIC we are new to all of this and yes we are doing a stagard hatching, which we probably shouldn't have done our first time.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
You can do staggard hatches, as long as you have another incuabtor to hatch in. I have 4. 2 i incubate in, and the other 2 I use as hatchers. All you need for a hatch is a cheap still air like a hovabator. I think you need another bator.

 

[aeg1001]

ok ,thanks so much!! i have been reading raising chickens for dummies lol but there are somethings i can only learn on here

i have another question. i had a chick hatch on saturday and one hatch last night. the one that hatched last night is WAY more active than the one that hatched on saturday, can i do something or are some more active then others??? when should i transfer the eggs over to the hatching incubator?

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
You could try some vitamins and electrolytes in their water. You can get that at TSC or Agways. Or some people use plain sugar water for the first couple days.

You would transfer the eggs to the hatching bator on day 18, and stop turning that day. YOu would also get the humidity up to 60-65%.