Against the odds hatching thread (with pictures and questions)

[K0k0shka]

Practicing using the nipple waterer:

The yellow chick definitely figured it out and is persistent. Goes from nipple to nipple back and forth and is actually drinking. That’s the people loving one, and the loudest and feistiest. I think it’s my favorite The other ones are trying the waterer, too. And of course... sandy butt is over there eating sand as usual

 

[adirondak5]

Any more pips , zips , or chicks ?

 

[K0k0shka]

Any more pips , zips , or chicks ?

I’ve lost count, they just keep coming! At this point it’s easier to do the math by counting the remaining eggs. So at this point I have a total of 13 hatched chicks - 11 from my shipped eggs, and 2 from the local farm. There are 6 remaining from mine, and 2 from the others. I can’t see any pips in them yet, but there are too many broken shells and wet chicks flopping all over them. I’ll do a clean up later, and if there’s still no development in the remaining eggs, I may candle them tonight. Day 21 ended at noon today. I’m already at 64% hatch rate since lockdown, so that’s not bad at all, but I really want more balance between the varieties that hatched, so I’m hoping the second (and last) Partridge Orpington makes it, and at least one more Silver Laced Orpington.

 

[aart]

So at this point I have a total of 13 hatched chicks

WooHoo!! Congrats!
Might need to lift those wings for more horizontal heating space.

 

[K0k0shka]

My one Partridge Orpington (in the middle)

And one of the green eggs from the local farm (also in the middle)

 

[K0k0shka]

WooHoo!! Congrats!
Might need to lift those wings for more horizontal heating space.

I was just thinking that. Good thing the heating space is expandable. I never thought I’d hatch this many chicks!!! I’m really happy and relieved (but still hoping for that second Partridge though).

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Oh my gosh. They are just too cute. I'm so happy for you! Hopefully that second partridge orp kicks it into gear soon and joins it's buddies.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

How are you counting your days? Your first post was Sunday 29th. Which means today is end of day 20 start of day 21.

 

[K0k0shka]

How are you counting your days? Your first post was Sunday 29th. Which means today is end of day 20 start of day 21.

I set them on Sunday the 29th at noon, yes. So today at noon was the end of 21 full days.

 

[K0k0shka]

I love how they all come running out of the cave and toward the brooder door when they see people approaching the brooder! We haven’t been bribing them with treats or anything, even food is still a little abstract to them, so it’s not any obvious positive association. And yet, they seem to like us. Maybe they’re imprinting on us, because they have no mother figure. Whatever it is, I did not expect it so soon, and it makes me SO happy! All that vigilance, work and lost sleep - totally worth it