Candling series, part three: preparing for lockdown
For many chicken-egg programmes, turning stops around day 18 as the hatch approaches. Follow your incubator's instructions and recognise that dates and settings can vary with equipment and conditions.
Prepare before opening
Check the hatching area, water arrangements and ventilation according to the machine's directions. Have the brooder ready well before chicks emerge. Do not block ventilation simply to chase a humidity number.
Make the final check purposeful
If candling at this stage, keep handling brief and gentle. Record the eggs transferred to hatch and any uncertainty. Do not continue frequent candling once hatching begins simply to obtain more footage.
Leave space for the process
Pipping and hatching take time. Opening the machine repeatedly or attempting early assistance can harm chicks. Seek experienced advice if a specific problem arises rather than following a dramatic hatch-rescue video.
Next step: use the hatch outcome sheet to record the final results and timing. Good records are more useful than changing settings from memory after a disappointing batch.
Further reading: Mississippi State University Extension - Hatching Quality Chicks. General education, checked 18 October 2026. This article is not veterinary diagnosis or a treatment prescription.