2-7 hatched, should I check the others?

[atomic]

First time incubating chicks, I started off with 12 and ended up with 7 as others weren’t developing. Yes they are shipped. I had six barred rocks and six speckled Sussex, the SS arrived later than expected so they are a day or two behind the BR. The SS came from New Mexico to Florida so I only have two remained viable eggs from that batch. The BR fared much better only coming from across the state, and I ended up with five. I have two little precious babies that hatched today, neither are standing yet. One is laying on its side, does it take some time for the feet to unfurl? The first one is sitting on its feet and the toes seemed straightened out. My main question is should I check the remaining BR eggs? I haven’t seen movement in awhile and there are no external pips. Obviously I will wait on the SS as they were staggered later. Thanks!

 

[Debbie292d]

Newly hatched chicks can stay in the incubator without food/water for up to 72 hours. They will survive by absorbing their yolk internally. That's how hatcheries can ship day-old chicks that take two days to get somewhere.

That's rough though that you've got some coming right behind them. Hopefully those hatch before you have to get these ones out. If they pip and you open up the incubator, try do it fast so they don't shrink wrap.

Wishing you a great hatch!

 

[atomic]

I snagged the two that hatched and put them into the brooder, but the one still has bent toes and neither one is moving around much. That being said, they are alert and cheeping. Is there anything I can do for the one with the furled feet or will they straighten up on their own? They’re not as bad as when it first hatched.