An internal-combustion engine needs four things to run. They need fuel, mixed with air, in a ratio of 14.7 to one. An ignition-spark lights the fuel and air mixture, creating combustion. Compression of the fuel and air mixture makes it explosive. The final necessity is proper timing, of the components.
1 The length of time it takes for eggs to hatch after incubation begins depends on the species and temperatures. 2  For bluebirds, it USUALLY takes about 12-14 days from the date the last egg was laid.3  Different species have different incubation periods, which can vary within a species due to temperature inside the nestbox. Depending on when incubation begins (on the last, or next to last egg), eggs in the same nest can hatch a day or several days apart. 2  It also takes a while for the bird to break through the shell. 3  It could be a new egg from a subsequent nesting if you didn't clean the box out immediately after the last fledging.
hi Richard, generally you leave them in the incubator for 12 to 24 hours after they have hatched, to let them dry out. They won't need food just after they have hatched, so don't bother putting any in the incubator. usually don't leave my chicks in the incubator for more than 12 hours, unless I put food & water in for them. Suz. Leave the chicks in the incubator for 24 hours, do not open lid, and dont worry they can survive for at least 48 hours with no food and water. (they are still absorbing yolk).