“I’m about to start incubating some chicken eggs for the first time, and I’ve heard about something called a ‘lockdown period’ during hatching. What exactly is this, and how do I manage it properly? I want to make sure I give these little chicks the best chance at life!” Thanks so much, Emily, Auckland, New Zealand.
Understanding the Lockdown Period in Chicken Hatching
Hey Emily! It’s fantastic that you’re venturing into the world of chicken hatching. The lockdown period is indeed a crucial phase in the incubation process, and I’m glad you’re taking the time to learn about it. Let’s dive into the details of what this period entails and how you can manage it effectively for your soon-to-be fluffy friends in Auckland!
What Is the Lockdown Period?
The lockdown period refers to the final few days of chicken egg incubation, typically the last three days before the expected hatch date. During this time, you’ll need to make some important changes to the incubation environment to prepare for the chicks’ arrival. This period is critical because it’s when the developing chicks are positioning themselves for hatching and absorbing the last of their yolk sac.
When Does Lockdown Begin?
For most chicken breeds, the incubation period lasts about 21 days. The lockdown period usually starts on day 18 of incubation. However, Emily, it’s important to note that some breeds might have slightly different incubation periods, so always double-check the specifics for your particular chickens.
Why Is the Lockdown Period Important?
The lockdown period serves several crucial purposes:
- It allows the chicks to position themselves correctly for hatching
- It prevents accidental rotation of the eggs during this critical time
- It maintains consistent humidity levels necessary for successful hatching
- It reduces stress on the developing chicks
- It prevents interference that could harm the hatching process
What Changes Should Be Made During Lockdown?
Emily, when you reach day 18 of incubation, you’ll need to make the following adjustments:
- Stop egg turning: Remove any automatic egg turners and lay the eggs on their sides in the incubator. This allows the chicks to orient themselves properly for hatching.
- Increase humidity: Raise the humidity levels in the incubator to about 65-70%. This prevents the egg membranes from becoming too dry and difficult for the chicks to break through.
- Prepare for hatching: Place a non-slip mat or towel on the bottom of the incubator to give hatched chicks better traction.
- Reduce opening the incubator: Minimize how often you open the incubator to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels.
Managing Temperature During Lockdown
Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial during the lockdown period. The temperature should remain consistent at around 37.5°C (99.5°F). However, you might notice a slight increase in temperature as the chicks begin to hatch due to their body heat. This is normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Humidity Control in Lockdown
Proper humidity levels are critical during lockdown. As mentioned earlier, you should increase the humidity to 65-70%. This can typically be achieved by adding more water to your incubator’s humidity trays or by placing a damp sponge inside the incubator. The increased humidity helps soften the egg membranes, making it easier for the chicks to pip (break through the shell).
What to Expect During Lockdown
Emily, during the lockdown period, you might observe the following:
- Egg movement: You may notice the eggs rocking slightly as the chicks position themselves.
- Chirping: You might hear faint chirping sounds from inside the eggs.
- Pipping: Around day 20-21, you’ll likely see the first signs of pipping, where the chicks start to break through the shell.
The Hatching Process
Hatching typically occurs over a 24-48 hour period. Here’s what you can expect:
- Internal pip: The chick breaks through the inner membrane of the egg.
- External pip: A small hole appears in the shell as the chick begins to break through.
- Zipping: The chick creates a line around the egg’s circumference.
- Hatching: The chick pushes its way out of the shell.
Remember, Emily, this process can take several hours for each chick, so patience is key!
Should You Help Chicks Hatch?
It’s generally best to let nature take its course. Helping a chick out of its shell can do more harm than good, potentially causing bleeding or leaving the chick too weak to survive. Only consider intervening if a chick has been struggling for many hours without progress, and even then, it’s best to consult with an experienced breeder or veterinarian first.
Post-Hatch Care
Once your chicks have hatched, leave them in the incubator to dry off and fluff up. They can survive for up to 72 hours without food or water due to the absorbed yolk sac. This gives late hatchers a chance to catch up. Once all chicks have hatched and dried, you can move them to a brooder with appropriate heat, food, and water.
Common Lockdown Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best outcomes for your chicks, avoid these common mistakes:
- Opening the incubator too frequently during lockdown
- Failing to increase humidity levels
- Continuing to turn eggs after day 18
- Attempting to help chicks hatch prematurely
- Moving chicks to the brooder before they’re fully dry
Troubleshooting During Lockdown
If you encounter issues during lockdown, here are some potential solutions:
- Low humidity: Add more water to humidity trays or place a damp sponge in the incubator.
- High humidity: Briefly open the incubator to allow excess moisture to escape.
- Temperature fluctuations: Check that the incubator is away from drafts and direct sunlight. Ensure the thermometer is correctly placed and calibrated.
- No signs of hatching by day 22: Wait a few more days before assuming the eggs are not viable. Some chicks may be late hatchers.
Record Keeping During Incubation and Lockdown
Emily, it’s a great idea to keep detailed records of your incubation process. This can help you improve your results in future hatches. Consider noting:
- Date eggs were set
- Daily temperature and humidity readings
- Date lockdown began
- Observations during lockdown (egg movements, chirping, etc.)
- Date and time of first pip
- Hatch dates and times for each chick
Final Thoughts…
Emily, the lockdown period is a thrilling time in the chicken hatching process. It’s the culmination of weeks of careful incubation and the precursor to the magical moment when your chicks finally emerge. Remember, consistency is key during this period. Maintain stable conditions, resist the urge to interfere, and trust in nature’s process.
I hope this information helps you navigate your first hatching experience in Auckland. There’s nothing quite like watching those little fluff balls emerge from their shells! Thank you for reaching out with your question. Your dedication to giving these chicks the best start in life is admirable. Wishing you the best of luck with your hatch, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions along the way. Happy hatching!
