Removing chicks from incubator

[ilexxx]

Has anyone figured out an easy way to remove a bunch of hatched chicks from the incubator without them all getting out at once? There needs to be an easy access door built in these incubators. I hatched 20 baby ducks. When I try to reach in and remove them suddenly all are hopping out all over the table. It was a cluster. I leave mine in 24-48 hours or until the last one hatches. It is a nightmare removing them and keeping them from all rushing out at once. If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

 

[kattabelly]

I don't usually have to deal with this because I take them out as soon as they've hatched.

Incubators with a lid that lifts off the top, like the RCom 20 I have, make this less of an issue than e.g. the dome types where the whole thing lifts off a flat base. If you're stuck with the incubator you have and getting a replacement isn't an option, in future could you try setting it up inside a box or something that would contain any that do escape? Or even putting up some kind of barrier (doesn't have to be fancy or complicated to build - I'm thinking a few big boxes around the sides or similar) around the incubator just before you open it to take them out?

 

[Debbie292d]

I leave mine in too until all or almost all are hatched. I'm a stickler for this to avoid risking shrink-wrapping any latecomers.

I have a stack of a few baskets in the cabinet and just fill it up with the chicks. This is a Brinsea 56EX and they can jump over the sides, but when I open the lid, I lean it back against a wall. That scares them up toward me. If you have someone that can help, I've not always had one but it helps!

When we did quail for the farmer across the road, we put the incubator in a box. Those little buggers are all over the place!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Which incubator do you have, what make and model so I can find it online? Since you hatched 20 ducks it is not one of those teeny tiny ones. I find it easier to make suggestions if I know what you you are working with.

I typically hatch about 20 chicken chicks at a time and wait until the hatch is over until I remove them. I don't have a problem, I scoop them out individually by hand and put them in a fairly deep covered box to take them to the brooder.