Take them out when they're fluffy - how long does that take?

[Mmmatt13]

Hello. I am on day 20, and I've got 3 new babies already (the third JUST hatched), and the other two have been in there for a few hours. They're not "fluffy" yet but they have dried off quite a bit. My question is, I just saw the first one out panting a little and I'm wondering if that's a good sign that tells me I should take them out? It's been a few years since I've had babies in the incubator, so I'm quite rusty.

Thanks in advance.

 

[latebloomer]

if you have a bunch more that you're waiting to hatch i'd keep the babies in there

i read that they can go two or even three days from hatching without food. they're still absorbing what they need from the yolk.

 

[chickencrazyinHT]

I usually leave mine in there about 24 hours. If the humidity is high then it can take longer for them to fluff. Even the ones that don't fluff all the way will fluff out more once they are in the warmth of the brooder. They can go 72 hours without eating because they live on the yolk sac they absorb before they hatch. If you have more waiting to hatch I would open my incubator as little as possible. I don't know why one would be panting. What is the temp in there right now?

 

[Mmmatt13]

Quote:
Temp Is right around 100, with humidity at 81-83%.

 

[Kelly G]

I leave mine in for 24 hours as well....