What happens if I'm not home

[oscarjstarr]

Hi my chickens are approximately 5 days away from hatching and this is the first time I've done it and I was wondering if it would matter if I'm not home when they hatch and if I have to help them hatch

 

[oscarjstarr]

SOS

 

[chiques chicks]

Generally, no. They normally hatch on their own and can stay in the incubator for up to a day. They need time to dry and will absorb the till sack for nutrition.

Opening the incubator during hatching will lower humidity and isn't recommended except in cases of stuck chicks that need intervention. It can take up to 24 hours from pip to hatch, so don't jump to soon.

Some weak chicks may not make it without help, but in my experience they generally require extensive care after hatching which I don't have time for, so I rarely help chicks hatch.

Just lock down on day 18, stop turning, raise humidity and sit on your hands. Waiting is the hardest part. I find not being there keeps me from messing things up.

Just my opinion.

 

[oscarjstarr]

Thanks that really helps