Two sets of eggs in one incubator.

[qb28zl]

I am a teacher incubating eggs for my 2nd graders. I have a hoverbater that I inherited from the previous teacher. I was given eggs that were left in a car in 30 degree temperatures for a day. When I candled them, only saw blood vessels in 5 out of 18. So I was given another 12 by the farm. My question is they are in same incubator and are 9 days apart. Is it okay to lower heat when it is time for first set to hatch?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. Hmmm good question I would not lower the heat just for that. All should be fine.

 

[Slothinc]

Honestly you don’t need to lower the heat for the hatch. They should be just fine as long as it is set correctly at 99.5-100.5. You will have to increase humidity and stop turning when the first group goes into lockdown. You could continue to quickly turn the second group by hand until you see your first external pips.

 

[nuthatched]

You don't lower the heat, but up the humidity at hatch. Good luck!

 

[Debbie292d]

Nope! As others have said, once incubation starts, the temperature stays at 99.5F the entire time until they hatch.

I would cut the lockdown to two days, pull the racks, and up the humidity to 60%. (Lockdown usually is 65-70%, but I would split the difference.)

Lack of rotating eggs in their last week won't matter for your other ones, as they are larger now and move around.

Once the first ones all hatch, open it up, take them out. Your other ones could be rotated again if you wish, and the humidity back down to 40-45% for a few days until they are in lockdown, then up the humidity to 65-70% for their remaining three days.