What is Lockdown?

[jsmonasmith]

Ok, I know this is a stupid question, but I keep hearing references to when lockdown should be done, but no explanations as to what it actually is. I have searched all over BYC and haven't been able to find it.

The next question is, my broody is on her 21st day today of sitting on her eggs. She went back to the wrong nest for less than an hour or so before I caught her. The eggs were still mildly warm. Is this ok? I have her penned up on her nest now. She's so close that she doesn't get an option to leave now. So I guess SHE's on lockdown.

 

[BooBear]

lockdown is a term used when you are using an incubator to hatch eggs and are at the final stage which starts on day 18 of the incubation. You want to increase the bator humidity this day and follow the rule of not opening the bator until all eggs hatch unless it is an emergency that you are willing to risk opening the bator for.

IF you open the bator during this final stage you risk loosing the humidity and heat too fast and shrink wrapping the chicks to where they cannot hatch.

Don't think this rule is necessary for a broody hen as most hens are hardwired to know what they need to do to hatch their eggs.