About day 18 you want to have everything ready for the hatch, what ever position the eggs are in leave them there ( I leave them on their side), no more turning. Also bring your humidity up to 65% or so and then close the lid and leave it closed. If you open the lid and drop the temperature and humidity durring this time it can harm the hatchlings. Lid should stay closed for 2-3 days after the first hatch out. They don't need food yet as they will be absorbing the yolk sac. If you absolutly must open the lid, make it quick and get done what you need to then a quick mist of water before you close to help bring the humidity right back up ASAP.
Welcome to BYC BackyardMix! 'Lockdown' occurs on the 18th day of incubation. You must unplug the automatic turner (If you have one) And either lay the eggs on their sides - on the bottom of the incubator, or put them in egg cartons, for hatch. The eggs must not be turned during 'lockdown' as the chicks are positioning themselves for hatch. You should raise the humidity, and keep the lid of the incubator closed. Clay Valley Farmer Pretty much said it
