Red vent plugs - quick question for lockdown.

[Mmmatt13]

Lockdown starts tonight, and I was planning on keeping both red plugs in - to keep humidity up - until they start hatching, then remove them so the babies can get some fresh air and start to dry.

Is this right or should I leave them out the whole lockdown period?

Thanks!

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

I just leave them out the entire time, but that's just me.

 

[Katy]

Mine haven't been in for years!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you can keep the humidity where you want it, I'd take them out. The chicks need oxygen even when they are in the egg and they need even more with the exertion of hatching. If you can't keep your humidity where you want it, you can put one plug back in, but I really like the extra fresh air.

Once they start hatching, expect the humidity to go way up even if the vents are open.

Some people leave them in and do OK, but I consider it better if you can take them out. It is one of those things that improve your odds a bit but you have to use your best judgement. Humidity is probably more important.

 

[kathyinmo]

Oxygen is more important than humidity during the hatch. I never leave my vent plugs in. I don't even know where they are.

 

[redhd077]

Quote:
OH how i wish i would have known!

live and learn right.

 

[Mmmatt13]

Thank you!

 

[Coopa Cabana]

I never use my plugs, either. sackman has a great page on high-altitude hatching for here in Colorado.

 

[redhd077]

The book that comes with the bator says remove 1 and then on day 18 remove the other.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Here's the link to Shy's page on high-altitude hatching:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=17059-hatching-help-for-colorado