[ricardodba]

Hi,

i placed 5 eggs in an incubator 22 days ago...yesterday 1 chick was completely out its shell, another was breaking through and eventually came out this morning...24 hours it took to break free!!!

I have another egg that is 'pipping' but other 2 no signs yet.

Can i leave the 1st born in the incubator until all hatched?...1st one been in incubator now over 24 hours.

I have a large carboard box and a heat plate setup ready to transfer the chicks into...question is when?

Thanks.

[Jukes Mum]

in theory no, you should leave the incubator unopened. The first bird should be fine for 48 hours. That said, I have been known to quickly open it up to remove a chick as long as it's nice and humid in there.

[OhLaLa]

Ok, if timing of chicks not hatching closely together (it's nature, they seldom do):
First thing, get your brooder up to temperature.
Leave chicks in incubator for 24 hours after hatching to dry off.
After 24 hours open incubator and gently lift chick and move to the brooder.
(If you can see another chick close to breaking free from shell, leave them be and see if you can time the removal of the 24 hour chick until new chick fully hatched).
Close the incubator a fast as poss to avoid too much temperature drop.


 

[ricardodba]

3rd chick hatched late this afternoon/early evening and is drying out.   

When i checked on the chicks a few mins ago, and bearing in mind its dark and i checked incubator with a torch they were all laid , eyes closed...looks like they are sleeping...they then stirred and stood up. No chirping so i take it they are content?


i'll put them in the brooder tomorrow afternoon.