Day 15/16 help

[Chickychickenchickchick]

Hi all,

I’ve posted on a couple of FB groups but haven’t had any responses, and I’ve searched too but can’t find what I’m looking for so sorry for asking…

I have 5 eggs in the incubator (bantams) which went in at 5pm on 14th March (I’m in the UK) and this morning I saw one rocking, and another one is going this evening… they’ve all got life in as of the night before last when I candled.

I’ve now put some anti-slip grip stuff on the bottom of the tray they’re on, so they don’t slip when they hatch.

I just wondered, would you count today (currently almost 8pm UK time on 30th March) day 15 or 16, and is it normal for them to be rocking at this stage, should I lockdown on Wednesday which would be day 17/18?! I’m confused and I would hate to do something wrong and lose them at this stage.

I also have 5 under a broody frizzle which went under her at 7pm on 16th March but I’m leaving those in her care (and occasionally a couple of aunties, they’re taking turns babysitting!)

Thanks in advance for any advice and tips. First time hatcher!

 

[Susan Skylark]

No worries about timing, chicks don’t count incubation days but hatch when they are ready. Incubation temp, breed, and individual genetics can all affect hatching day along with stressors like age of egg or shipping. You can go into lockdown (stop turning) anytime after day 12 or so as the chicks can move themselves. Going into lockdown early won’t hurt anything. Day 0 is when you put eggs in incubator, day 1 begins 24 hours after that, noon tomorrow if you set them noon today. Enjoy and relax!

 

[Chickychickenchickchick]

No worries about timing, chicks don’t count incubation days but hatch when they are ready. Incubation temp, breed, and individual genetics can all affect hatching day along with stressors like age of egg or shipping. You can go into lockdown (stop turning) anytime after day 12 or so as the chicks can move themselves. Going into lockdown early won’t hurt anything. Day 0 is when you put eggs in incubator, day 1 begins 24 hours after that, noon tomorrow if you set them noon today. Enjoy and relax!

Thank you. I turned them again this evening but I think that’s it now, I’m just going to leave them to it and not open again. I’m ridiculously excited

How would I know if there’s internal pipping? Could that be what the shaking/rocking is today?