EllieandOlive
Songster
For the record, I've hatched hundreds of chicks, but weaklings give me trouble with temperatures! I've assisted a fair few at hatch for various reasons but prefer to let them do their thing, naturally. I seem to have more than my share of spraddle legs and slipped tendons to deal with though! I am wondering if this genetic line is flawed.
So, I have a hen broody on a clutch. They're silkies. I noticed yesterday morning they were pipping. I checked under her this afternoon expecting to see chicks. One was mostly hatched but dead (malpositioned) and these two were not making progress. I had to assist and they were also malpositioned. Turns out they both can't walk. After a few hours I brought then inside in my extra incubator. Mama was picking on them and they weren't going to last. I splinted them and made little stands for them after a few more hours of no standing/walking.
What should my incubator temp be at for these guys? They can't move around so I'm concerned about them being too hot or cold, but I don't want them stuck still like this under a heat lamp or heat plate so I've opted for the incubator. I have it (via multiple thermometers) at 93 degrees. I just don't want them to over heat! But I know 95 for the first week assuming they can move around to their comfort.
I have been looking in on them every 20 minutes but since I'm going to bed I don't want it unideal over night. They're weak and tired. Sleeping as expected. They've had water.
So, I have a hen broody on a clutch. They're silkies. I noticed yesterday morning they were pipping. I checked under her this afternoon expecting to see chicks. One was mostly hatched but dead (malpositioned) and these two were not making progress. I had to assist and they were also malpositioned. Turns out they both can't walk. After a few hours I brought then inside in my extra incubator. Mama was picking on them and they weren't going to last. I splinted them and made little stands for them after a few more hours of no standing/walking.
What should my incubator temp be at for these guys? They can't move around so I'm concerned about them being too hot or cold, but I don't want them stuck still like this under a heat lamp or heat plate so I've opted for the incubator. I have it (via multiple thermometers) at 93 degrees. I just don't want them to over heat! But I know 95 for the first week assuming they can move around to their comfort.
I have been looking in on them every 20 minutes but since I'm going to bed I don't want it unideal over night. They're weak and tired. Sleeping as expected. They've had water.
