Perfect Locdown Period For chicks to be Hatched

 Perfect — for lockdown only (last 3 days), a simple box hatcher is actually the best and safest DIY method. This is exactly how many small hatcheries rescue hatches when power or machines fail.

Here is the proven 3-Day Lockdown Box Hatcher System (≈100 eggs).

What You Need (All Home Utensils)

Container

• Strong carton box / styrofoam fish box / wooden box
  (size: about 2–3 ft long)

Heat Source (choose one)

• 2–4 incandescent bulbs (40W–60W)
  OR
• Ceramic heater / bulb holder

Control

• Simple thermostat (best)
  OR
• Manual thermometer + dimmer switch

Humidity

• 2 shallow bowls of warm water
• Sponge or cloth

Air

• Small holes on box sides
• Optional small USB fan

Others

• Wire rack / mesh tray
• Aluminum foil
• Masking tape
• Thermometer + hygrometer

Box Setup (Simple Layout)

Step 1 – Insulate

Line the inside with:

• Aluminum foil (heat reflection)
• Or old cloth / foam

Step 2 – Heat System

Fix bulbs on one side or top corner.

Target temperature:

37.2°C – 37.5°C (99°F – 99.5°F)

Step 3 – Egg Tray

Place eggs on:

• Wire rack
• Or egg trays with holes under

Leave space under for water bowls.

Step 4 – Humidity

Put:

• 2 bowls of warm water
• 1 wet sponge

Target humidity:

65% – 75%

Step 5 – Ventilation

Punch 4–6 small holes on sides.

(Do NOT seal airtight)

Lockdown Rules (Critical for 3 Days)

From Day 18 to Day 21 (Chicken)

1. STOP TURNING

Do not turn eggs again.

2. Do NOT Open Box

Only open if:

• Temperature goes off
• Water is dry

Every opening kills humidity.

3. Maintain:

• Temp: 37.2°C – 37.5°C
• Humidity: 70% ideal

4. Darkness & Silence

Keep in quiet place.

No direct fan blowing.

Hatching Timeline

Day	What Happens
18	Chicks position for pipping
19	Internal pip
20	External pip
21	Hatch & dry

Emergency Power Tip (African Style)

If light goes off:

• Hot water bottles
• Heated stones wrapped in cloth
• Charcoal outside box for ambient heat

Capacity Guide (Box Size)

Box Size	Egg Capacity
2 ft x 2 ft	50 eggs
3 ft x 2 ft	80–100 eggs
Fish box	60–90 eggs

This Works Because:

During lockdown:

• Eggs already developed
• They only need stable heat + high humidity
• No turning required

That’s why a simple box is enough for last 72 hours.

Pro Hatchery Secret 🤫

Many commercial hatcheries keep box hatchers as emergency backup systems in case:

• Power failure
• Machine breakdown
• Transport hatching

You’re using a real professional technique, just simplified.

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