Silkie Hatch Lockdown help?

[mommhen]

I have a partridge silkie who is on a clutch right now and toward the end of next week will be nearing the end of the 21 days.
(I finally understand the "day 0" of the whole 21 days by the way).

This sweet momma hen to be is so committed to have babies that I have to pull her off the eggs once a day for about 15 minutes to let her do her business, eat and drink (otherwise she tends to starve herself).

I know that day 18 is typically "lock-down" when incubating... but I have heard that up to day 19 she still needs a break to eat. Is this true?

My question is:

Should I pull her off the clutch up to day 19 (or even later?) to make sure she is eating?
Or should I leave her alone after day 18? I want to make sure the eggs develop correctly, but also want to make sure she is healthy enough and eating.

(This will be my first hatch, I had one hatch fail already (long story), so I am not very experienced at the hatching thing yet).

Thanks in advance wonderful BYC members!

BTW, the sweet silkie in my profile picture is her (I call that picture "bucket of chicken") hehe

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

You could pull her off on day 19 if you are so inclined. I've seen some of my hens out pooping, eating and drinking when they've had eggs already pipped, and they hatched just fine.