staggered hatches!?....HELP!?

[Cherie1n2]

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to comment anyway. I use a forced air hovabator with an egg Turner and add eggs when I get them. I have a still air unit I put the eggs into for lockdown and to hatch.. So far my only problem is separating the chicks once they hatch for a day or so until they can be put in with the week olds. If I leave them in the hatching incubator a day they peck at the ones just breaking out.. Not a huge issue.. But it is one to consider as it required me to have an additional brooder for 2-7 day olds and then one for 8day to 4 week olds.after that they go into a grow out pen with heat and outside access.

Also some sort of leg bands and codes are needed to keep up with everyone.

 

[luvmigirls]

Wanted to comment as well because I have eggs that are staggered by 4 days. It is not a huge difference but i am worried during the lock down phase that the high humidity may hurt the younger eggs development or even drown by being too humid.

I am lucky ill be home next weekend for a 3 day weekend! woo hoo! and i know i can focus all my attention to detail during the first two hatching eggs. I will most def give some info when it is over as to success rate and what i did. Hope all went well for the previous and future posters!

happy hatching everyone!

 

[luvmigirls]

My staggered hatching was 100%. Thw higher humidity for the extra.days was a gd thing for my chicks and did mot seem to bother the younger ones at al.

 

[Oofies]

My staggered hatching was 100%. Thw higher humidity for the extra.days was a gd thing for my chicks and did mot seem to bother the younger ones at al.

How much did you stagger? I have eggs that will go in tonight then some that will arrive tomorrow and some on Tuesday (I plan on setting them both Tuesday night or Wednesday am depending if I can get my son to take them out to rest or I have to do it when I get home from work)
I may break down and buy a still air for the 'hatch' but I'd like to save that $$ because I spent so much on the eggs

DId you take out the turner?

 

[luvmigirls]

How much did you stagger? I have eggs that will go in tonight then some that will arrive tomorrow and some on Tuesday (I plan on setting them both Tuesday night or Wednesday am depending if I can get my son to take them out to rest or I have to do it when I get home from work)
I may break down and buy a still air for the 'hatch' but I'd like to save that $$ because I spent so much on the eggs

DId you take out the turner?

Hey there Oofies

I never used a turner, i turn my eggs by hand, morning, mid, and night. My set up is a still air styrofoam incubator made by Little Giant that picked up at the feed store (i think tractor supply has them too) And to make it forced air very cheaply, i went a bought a mini desk fan from wallmart.

I have stagged as little as 2 days and up to 2 weeks. Since i have only a flock of 10 hens, staggering is really the only way to do it.

What i have found that works best, for the hatches that are only days apart, When the eggs begin to hatch, i use a sandwich size tubberwear container and place the hatching egg/chick in there by her/him self. line the bottom with brawny papertowl and place the whole container inside the incubator. (i also have used old shoe boxes, or anything with a sturdy side, but glass containers will get very hot to touch so i dont use them). that way the older chicks do not pick on them. The BIGGEST reason i do this is because of the mess the new hatchling creates. when the hatch is done, i just clean and replace the container with new papertowel.

once the chick can climb out of the box or container, and is fully fluffed up. i put into a brooder in a room with no drafts. with access lamp and to water/food. they seem to enjoy the lower humidity

Notes, dont open the lid often. esp in cold rooms. because that can stop the other eggs not hatched yet. Humidity needs to stay high, but with the ongoing hatching moisture, it is easy to maintian, but just need to keep track.

Another notes is, i have 3 thermometures in my incubator, any time i create a little space for the hatchers, i put a thermomator in there as well. with my incubator being forced air, it helps keep things Even, but i do NOT assume it will be.

Good Luck on your stagger hatching! ask any more questions if you got them!

I'll be around... i actually I have a Welsummer zipped and ready to come out as i type!