How long?

[Anonymous]

Hi there
How long should I leave an egg that has pipped before "helping"? I know the advice is usually not to do anything, but I have cracked them out in the past, and they've been fine. (not all!). For example, two pipped when I got up this morning. What if they are still struggling later on this afternoon? (am not opening incy)
Thanks

 

[Davidd]

Hi, leave the lid on- and leave them at least 24 if not 30 hours- they will not make much progress for a while then hatch quite quickly- as long as your humidity is not too low they will be fine- try and not disturb them.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I would not have left them that long. Would it be an idea to top up the humidity? There is no condensation.

 

[Davidd]

Do you know what your humidity is?
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

There doesn't appear to be any way of checking the humidity.(it's a Corti AF25). other than looking for visible water droplets....
Another question(sorry!). We bought some new eggs yesterday, they have been resting for nearly 24hrs. Should I lift the lid and quickly pop them in, or leave them for a few days till this lot have hatched?
Thanks!

 

[Davidd]

Hi, leave the new eggs until the others have hatched- did you not up the humidity when the eggs pipped?
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Well no. Because there is no accurate way of telling, we've been keeping the reservoirs with some water in, and removing the top ventilators if condension appears.One Orp is out and jumping around-probably a cockeral!