When to start lockdown for eggs that started incubating on three different days?

[PhoenixManz]

Hey all! I have some eggs in an incubator that started incubation with a broody, and we're given to her over three consecutive days. i.e. 12th 13th and 14th February.

When should these eggs be put into lock down? On the 18th day for the earliest ones, or for the latest ones? So should they go into lockdown on the 1st, 2nd or the 3rd of March? Does anyone have any experience with eggs not started on the same day?

Phrased another way, is it worse for incubating eggs to go into lockdown late, or early?

Love,
Phoenix

 

[nuthatched]

It won't hurt anything for them to go into lockfoen early.

 

[PhoenixManz]

It won't hurt anything for them to go into lockfoen early.

Thanks for the info! Is turning the eggs not so critical right upto the 18th day?

 

[nuthatched]

Thanks for the info! Is turning the eggs not so critical right upto the 18th day?

It's the most critical from day 5 to day 16 ish, so the chick doesn't stick to the membrane. Before, it's great but you can get away with not turning it, after, they are working on getting into hatching positions.

 

[PhoenixManz]

It's the most critical from day 5 to day 16 ish, so the chick doesn't stick to the membrane. Before, it's great but you can get away with not turning it, after, they are working on getting into hatching positions.

Ok good to know thank you!

 

[PhoenixManz]

'Pretty mama' also thanks you for the information that'll help her babies hatch safely

 

[JennyHeidewald]

Thanks for this thread, I am in the same situation with a staggered hatch! If it had been up to me it wouldn't have happened.
Some of them are bantam eggs, expected hatch date of March 17th, but sometimes bantams come out early.

 

[Emmaloveschickens9156]

I’m also having a staggered hatch under my broody. This helped me a lot. Good luck!