Lockdown is the point in incubation where nerves tend to peak. The eggs are close. You know something should be happening soon. And the temptation to “just have a quick look” can be surprisingly strong.
This stage — the final three days before hatch — is where many otherwise well-managed hatches go wrong. Not because something dramatic happens, but because of small, well-intentioned interruptions.
Lockdown isn’t about doing more. It’s about stopping at the right moment.
What “Lockdown” Actually Means
For chicken eggs, lockdown begins on day 18.
From this point:
Eggs are no longer turned
Humidity is raised
The incubator lid stays closed
Inside the egg, the chick is repositioning itself, absorbing the last of the yolk, and preparing to breathe air for the first time. These are quiet, internal processes — and they rely on a stable environment.
Once lockdown starts, consistency matters more than ever.
Why Opening the Lid Causes So Many Problems
Each time you open the incubator:
Warm, moist air escapes
Humidity drops sharply
Membranes begin to dry within minutes
This can lead to shrink-wrapping, where the inner membrane tightens around the chick, trapping it before it can rotate and hatch properly.
What makes this particularly cruel is that it often happens invisibly. The chick may pip successfully, then struggle or stall — not because it’s weak, but because conditions changed at the wrong moment.
For beginners especially, opening the lid “just to check” is one of the most common causes of hatch failure.
Managing the Urge to Interfere
Lockdown can feel oddly passive. After weeks of careful turning and monitoring, suddenly you’re being asked to do… nothing.
That discomfort is normal.
It helps to remember:
Long pauses during hatch are expected
Silence doesn’t mean something is wrong
Watching through the window is enough
If you’re unsure what’s normal at this stage, Helping a Chick Hatch: When to Step In — and When to Leave Well Alone explains why patience is often the kindest response.
Humidity During Lockdown
For chicken eggs, aim for 65–70% humidity during lockdown.
This higher humidity:
Keeps membranes flexible
Reduces the risk of chicks becoming stuck
Supports a smoother hatch
Try to adjust humidity before lockdown begins so you’re not scrambling once pipping starts. And resist the urge to keep topping up water “just in case” — sudden swings are more harmful than being slightly off target.
A separate hygrometer placed at egg height is invaluable here, as incubator displays are often unreliable.
A Small but Important Welfare Detail
Before lockdown, add a non-slip liner to the incubator floor (a simple drawer liner works well, available on Amazon).
This helps prevent:
Splayed legs
Slipping and exhaustion
Injuries during those first wobbly hours
It’s a small step that makes a real difference to chick welfare.
What to Expect Once Lockdown Begins
After lockdown, you may notice:
Increased movement inside the eggs
Cheeping just before internal pipping
External pips appearing, then long pauses
A chick can take 6–24 hours from first pip to fully hatching. Sometimes longer. This isn’t a crisis — it’s normal.
Opening the incubator at this stage rarely helps and often harms, even when intentions are good.
When Lockdown Ends
Lockdown ends when:
The hatch is clearly finished
No new chicks have emerged for 24 hours
Remaining eggs show no progress
Once chicks have hatched, leave them in the incubator until they’re fully dry and fluffed. They don’t need food or water immediately and can safely remain there for up to 48 hours if needed.
After the hatch, clean the incubator thoroughly using a non-toxic incubator cleaner (available on Amazon) to protect future birds from bacterial build-up.
Trusting Stillness
Lockdown asks for restraint, not action. It’s the moment where good preparation matters more than last-minute intervention.
If you’ve provided steady temperature, sensible humidity, and a calm environment, the best thing you can do now is step back.
Hatching often rewards patience — and teaches it too.
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