Reply needed - Day 23 - Three Chicks so far - Should I open it?

[Nathan]

I have three chicks hatched Monday morning, Tuesday noon, and Tuesday late afternoon. There are still 28 other eggs in the Brower incubator - I started with 48.

I know it is very very bad to open the incubator during hatch time.

However, one of the three chicks in there has been there since Monday morning, so I will have to open it to transfer some chicks to the brooder tonight.

It's day 23.5, so the three chicks in there may be all that will hatch, or they may be the early birds of a rather late hatch. It is very uncertain in spite of some very positive results candling on day 18. There were no visible pips this morning but there could be some, or some more hatching, by the time I get home tonight.

Any advice for doing this with the least impact? I plan to open the lid an arm's width, grab the three chickies, spray some water in there, and then close it up quick and leave it closed till Saturday morning, at which point I will probably give up on any more hatching.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Yes, you need to open it since they have been in there that long and take them to the brooder with food and water, plus a heat lamp.

 

[Nathan]

Will do.

Is it best to candle the rest while I'm opening it anyway, or stick to the plan and close it back up till Saturday?

 

[justusnak]

I wouldnt candle yet. Just get those wee ones out fast..and let the others ride another day or so. I would say.....Saturday...I would candle. But, thats just me.

Hopeing the others hatch soon!!

 

[Scraps]

I would just crack it open enough to grab the little ones out and then leave it shut until Saturday. If you candle and they are still alive you'll probably ruin their chances...

 

[Nathan]

OK. I got three chicks out into my super deluxe brooder in the garage. It was a pretty quick operation and the measured humidity stayed high.

One hatched out this morning, and another has pipped, so maybe I haven't killed all the rest.