Turning automatic turner off at day 18

[wjhuskey]

I've been collecting eggs for 7 days now and only have 18 eggs to incubate. Today is day 8 of collecting eggs and since the recommended max for collecting eggs is 7 days, I started incubating yesterday. I wish I had at least 20 eggs to incubate and I could possibly get 5 eggs in one day so I'm going to check for some more eggs in the nests today to add to the incubator. I'll only do this today and won't add anymore tomorrow. Does anyone know if leaving the turner on for an extra day than usual will hurt the chicks? If it does, I will unplug the turner on day 18 as usual and I will turn the younger eggs manually that I add today (when "THEIR" day 18 is the other egg's day 19). I can mark these differently. Should I switch the younger eggs to a separate incubator so I won't have to disturb the older eggs when opening the incubator to turn the younger chicks manually? Because I know opening the lid is something you want to avoid the last 3 days. Maybe I should of waited another day to incubate but my eggs were stored at 65 degrees and the max 7 days is at 55 degrees so I expect the eggs to ruin quicker at 65 degrees than 55. How would you guys handle this?

 

[sumi]

Stop turning them all on the same day (day 18 for the first ones). Turning is essential during the first 14 days of incubation, after that not so much. It won't make a difference if you stop turning a day early. Gradually increase your humidity over 2 days instead of bumping it up on day 18 (for the first ones). So long as it's high enough when they start pipping they'll be fine. Good luck with your hatch!

 

[wjhuskey]

Thanks!!!