Adventures in Incubating Shipped Eggs

[Morrigan]

Number two is out.

The first one has a big piece of shell stuck to his back. He came out of the shell clean, but was rolling around, and rolled over a piece of shell and it adhered.

I've heard people talk about "sticky" chicks and that it's a humidity problem. Is this what it means to be a sticky chick? When the second one hatched, it left a bunch of slimy looking gunk on one of the unhatched eggs. Humidity was between 38-42 up until lockdown, at which point it went to 65 to 69 during lockdown. This is very close to what I've done in the past, but I don't recall them being so slimy and sticky. They both seem pretty active and vocal.

 

[Colly1470]

So happy to be seeing babies! It was almost 90 out today, so the 2 goslings got to have a play day (well....a play 15 minutes lol). Egg 6 baby is the bigger one (with its mouth open), and egg 5 baby is the smaller one. I'm sad I had to cull egg 4 baby....but these two are so hilarious I can't really dwell.

 

[Colly1470]

Whoops.....hit the wrong button haha. Here are the pictures.

 

[Zinjifrah]

Number two is out.

View attachment 1412227

The first one has a big piece of shell stuck to his back. He came out of the shell clean, but was rolling around, and rolled over a piece of shell and it adhered.

I've heard people talk about "sticky" chicks and that it's a humidity problem. Is this what it means to be a sticky chick? When the second one hatched, it left a bunch of slimy looking gunk on one of the unhatched eggs. Humidity was between 38-42 up until lockdown, at which point it went to 65 to 69 during lockdown. This is very close to what I've done in the past, but I don't recall them being so slimy and sticky. They both seem pretty active and vocal.

View attachment 1412232

I don't think that's what a sticky chick is... mine got egg shell stuck on them when they rolled in the little bits, and once they dried out it fell right off. I think it's just damp chick + egg shell = hat. Look how hard it can be to get little bits of shell off your fingers when you're peeling boiled eggs! I could be wrong, though.

 

[Morrigan]

View attachment 1412265 View attachment 1412266 View attachment 1412267 Whoops.....hit the wrong button haha. Here are the pictures.

I can't see these impossibly adorable pictures. It makes me want ducklings and have no room for ducks.

 

[Morrigan]

Day 21 Update

The experiment is almost over. It was a mixed bag. On the positive side, the Lavender Marans are doing great! Of the 5 eggs I received, 4 went into lockdown. Two have now hatched, and the other 2 have pipped. I like the coloring on them -- the are really nice looking chicks. When they are out of the brooder and dry, I'll get some better pictures of them. Really hoping at least one is a hen!

The Orpingtons are, thus far, a let down. Of the 10 I received, only 2 made it to lockdown and so far, no pips. I'm still hopeful they may hatch, and if they both do, I will be OK with the outcome.

Back to brooder stalking! Hope other hatches are going well.

 

[Morrigan]

I put the chick back in the incubator, damp paper towel and all. It may still need help getting out of that egg, but it's still not time to help. It's breathing and yelling, so that's good. I think it will make it.

How is the little svart chickie doing?

 

[TotallyShellyTurtle]

Day 22. Nothing has changed.
I candled. No movement.


Why would a chick move for the water candle, but not via light?

 

[Zinjifrah]

Day 22. Nothing has changed.
I candled. No movement.


Why would a chick move for the water candle, but not via light?

Maybe by the light, the movement just isn't showing up? I imagine with water candling, part of it is that the egg gets turned and they want to turn themselves around inside to compensate.

I won't deny, I'd be tempted to 'peck' a tiny hole at the top of the air pocket on one just to get a look at what was going on inside, and make sure they didn't need help. Particularly after helping Tiny out, I'm an advocate of helping if an egg's in trouble. S/he's happy, active, healthy and vigorous now. Well worth having saved.

 

[lawson1986]

Came home to one external pip. This is for the bantams that are due tomorrow. I currently have 3 incubators going with 6 staggered hatches expected over the next 10 days or so... Alot to juggle can't wait for my fuzzy butts!!