Anybody setting today 9-20-09? Or close to it? Newbie Hatcher here!

[JestersEye]

Our first chick hatched out just fine!!!

I actually started a new post sharing the intimate details, but suffice it to say we've had a bit more incubator issues... so I probably won't be sleeping much until I'm SURE both 'bators are stable again.

The first chick is a blue-colored Blue Andalusian; the offspring of our blue roo, Cobalt, and his poor departed blue hen, Sapphire (predator got her last Saturday). Another egg is showing a tiny beak-size dent in it, so I'm waiting to see how long that chick will take before it joins it's sibling. (They both came from the same rooster and hen.)

So far so good, despite obstinate technology snafu's.

 

[SweetMotherOfMars]

Good to know you have a new little blue one, not that it will ever replace Sapphire, but... you know.

I still have a week and 2 days to go, so keep updating. (I'm living vicariously through you!)

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Thats so Great your first chick

 

[JestersEye]

I've been up most of the night, adjusting and monitoring the temp and humidity levels. The first chick is absolutely perfect, but a bit lonely. There is another egg completely pipped, and partway zipped that is waiting patiently for JUST the right moment to emerge! Occasionally, it "talks" to its sibling (from the same rooster and hen), so they must have some sort of "master plan" about the grand event.

 

[faerielady]

Quote:

 

[JestersEye]

I've been so busy today, I haven't had a chance to get online and post any updates... The "talking" chick #2 did finally emerge around 3:00 o'clock this afternoon, although I did have to help it along by removing the top portion of the egg shell. It seemed to have dried out a lot, but when I took it off, the chick just uncurled itself and rolled right out. It's also a blue-colored blue andalusian, just like its sibling! Cobalt and Sapphire made a great pairing.

A third egg also started showing a small pip, which has now grown into a much larger opening. I've been trying to keep the membranes moistened by rubbing it with a wet Q-tip every so often, but it still seems to be getting too dry in between. I'll probably have to continue to offer some assitance as the eggs hatch... It seems really difficult to get the humidity high enough in that 'bator, even though there is condensation on the glass window. Maybe the new "igloo cooler" model will be better for the next hatch.

 

[OutInTheStiks]

I lifted Dale up this morning to see if there was any progress, and we have at least one pip! I didn't want to disturb her anymore so I didn't check any of the others.

 

[SweetMotherOfMars]

Welcome Chick #2!

Thanks for the update JE!

Go, Dale, GO!!! Hatch those eggs!

(Not sure that works, but worth a try.)

 

[JestersEye]

Chick # 3 hatched out not long after my last post, but was very gummy so I had to clean her up a bit. At first, it appeared to be another blue baby, but once dry it looks like much lighter. I think it's either a very light silvery blue, or a splash orpington.

No more pips yet, just the 3 fluffy chicks... 2 blue andalusians and 1 splash(?) orpington.

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Been away for most of the day, checked on Dale a few minutes ago...9 little yellow fluffy butts so far and one more has pipped. I'll post pics when we move her tonight.