Anyone setting eggs May 1st?

[joyfulkeeper]

I have one didn't make it she was fully developed and had internally peep. But she sided over night. Her belly was internally black what could that mean

I'm so sorry you lost one. One of our ducklings didn't make it either. It must have passed just before internal pip. We have 2 that don't seem to have the strength to hatch after external pip, but I'm still hoping and trying to help them very slowly.

9 ducklings hatched and one chick so far! The chicks are under a broody in the coop, but one got stepped on and most of the shell broke away from the membrane. I brought that one into the house, wrapped her in a wet paper towel with the air cell end sticking out, and put her in the incubator in a cup so the ducklings wouldn't trample her. A few hours later I got to see a chick hatch for the first time! I put her back under the broody right away hoping she'll encourage the others to hatch.

Molly, all your "babies" are awesome!

Here is my youngest duck whisperer.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Molly those blue silkie chicks are amazing. Just precious. And what is it about those Blue chicks?! Adorableness overload is right!

I know there are many a good broody hen out there but can I just say that these Silkie Hens, if you want to brood chicks with a hen seem to be the golden ticket. Dixie literally on a nest for 5 weeks! 2 weeks messing around getting her the "right" eggs --

--I'm to blame for that...and then holding her own for the additional 3 to hatch the eggs and kick out the non developing dud eggs. Every one I removed she had kicked out at one point or another. Trust your broody. So this is a shout out to Snowball, Dixie and all the broody hens who make us so proud. I've just been amazed by her. Now she is teaching the young ones to eat and scratch and peck through litter to find food. I brought them out of the Broody Bungalow today on grass and dirt and Dixie didn't like it. She thought it was too early for the field trip and we got every body back in the Corona nest and she settled down. I was way too pushy for her and she'll make her own decision to go out when she's ready. I'll let her do that. In the mean time I'm adjusting the space in the run for a little sectioned off area to start off with and some fresh straw underneath...and a nice wide ramp to climb down and back up into the bungalow.

Oh gosh this is so much fun.... I think because I'm learning so much as I go. Everyday I notice something new with these beloved chickens.

 

[Chikn-Chik]

Looks like I've missed quite a few hatches this week but congrats to everyone!!! They are all so adorable! I went into lockdown this morning so hopefully all goes well, 7/8 movement in the eggs

 

[Tuhmu]

Another super long day ahead, my French black copper marans just started pipping before I left for work. I was going to quick set up my camera so I could watch them from my phone at work but ran out of time.....

 

[joyfulkeeper]

The broody ducks aren't broody enough and didn't want anything to do with the ducklings. So, I moved a broody hen to our chicken tractor and if she sticks to that nest we will try to place the ducklings with her.

For now they are still in the incubator trying to encourage the last one to hatch. We have 10 now with the latest hatching this morning. We started taking them out to get a drink and nibble, at our duckling station that we designed last year.

5 of the 10 getting a drink

Our broody has hatched 7 of her 10 so far!

 

[joyfulkeeper]

Another super long day ahead, my French black copper marans just started pipping before I left for work. I was going to quick set up my camera so I could watch them from my phone at work but ran out of time.....

I can't wait to see pictures of them!

Well, our broody hen wanted nothing to do with the ducklings. I'm probably doing something wrong, oh well. They are now being brooded in our living room. The kids love it because they can hold and cuddle them more now. Number 11 needed help out of the shell and still has a bit of a bulge from the yoke, but I think she'll be fine. Here's a pic of our setup.

 

[Tuhmu]

Only half an hour! The wait is killing me! I have no idea what I'm going to come home to!

 

[joyfulkeeper]

Only half an hour! The wait is killing me! I have no idea what I'm going to come home to!

So.... how many? How cute? Now the wait is killing me

 

[Tuhmu]

Came home to one (he's pretty cute)

Another one popped out before I got done with chores and another is on the home stretch with zipping! #1 is pretty observant already, tries to reach all the way up to the viewing window when he sees me. Must resist urge to cuddle....deep breaths.....

 

[chickenlindz]

Congrats leviS!