April Hatch Thread--Come Join Us!

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Thanks MissBroodyHen the video helped a lot.

 

[annabell254]

is it possible for a chick to be so big that it is not able to pip??? OR is it that some chicks are just too big to zip???

 

[Deerling]

is it possible for a chick to be so big that it is not able to pip???

Yes, it is. I haven't experienced it (currently on my first set) but I have read about it happening. I'm not sure if this article might help if that happens or give you more info: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

 

[Bitterroot]

can anyone help with the question?

I'm not experienced, as this is my first chicken hatch, but I can at least share what I'm doing and maybe that will help you somehow.

I've done a lot of reading, and the consensus seems to be that the second week is the important one for turning. First week and last week, eggs will be fine with no turning. I'm choosing to turn the turner off a couple days before lockdown to give the chicks ample time to get into position.

I had one batch go into the bator on one day, and the other batch go in the next day. I'm splitting the difference and turned off the turner and pulled it out on day 17 for the first batch which is day 16 for the second. Laid the eggs down on their sides, and just as day 19 is starting for the first group, this evening, I've upped the humidity and locked everything down. Fingers crossed.

I'll update and let you know how it goes, if you'd like.

 

[Arkansas81]

Anna-congrats on the cutie patootie babies!!! Sorry guys but I've been really busy with making new pens and keeping up with all my new additons and the eggs in the bator..whew!! I just set my last set of 12 eggs tonight. My girls (13) have been giving me a dozen every 2 days, so now that I have 48 eggs set in the bator-I can finally start selling eggs again! Taking that week off to take my daughter and mom on a trip for her spring break messed me up like crazy-not to mention messing up the birds' laying.

But I think everyone has finally caught up with laying-and almost done figuring out how to make the new pens. Now I can sell eggs and start getting money back in my pocket...but the money won't be there long-have lots of plans. Man I now know what a chore it is when you have lots of birds to take care of and also try to keep track of the eggs in the bator...lordy can't imagine what hatch week will be like...YIKES

.

I'm enjoying seeing all the new additions to everyone's flocks...keep em coming. I know you all will see how insane I get when I get my second round a hatching in a few weeks. And you all thought I was normal.....

 

[mmeyette]

one of my chicks (hatched about 9am) still hasn't really perked up, two others who hatched later are already running around her and stepping on her and much more vocal. I am concerned!! She seems to always flop to one side too...I thought I had Save-A-Chick but I CAN'T FIND IT! Any ideas? I did see her drink a little water a couple of hours ago when one of the other chicks stepped on her prompting her to move and her beak hit the water so she drank and then adjusted and flopped down. she isn't vocal at all...what do I do?? Can I make electrolytes? Should I worry?

 

[hokankai]

I would wait 24 hours before worrying. They sometimes just need the time to rest and recuperate from hatching

 

[TweetyNPetey]

It's day 7 on my Salmon Faverolle hatch... All eggs are clear... I'm gonna give them a few more days, but if they are still clear by then, all the eggs will have to be thrown out...

 

[ceocka]

Woke up to three babies in the bator and one duck half way out.

Duck finally made it out and have a bannie out too. Have 3 pipped duck eggs as we speak and one more bannie pipped!

Next weekend is going to be crazy. I have over 35 dozen eggs going on lockdown a wedding and pageant practice. Ahhhhh

 

[mmeyette]

thank you so much everyone for tolerating all of my newbie questions and being so kind!

Two random ones:
- do you ever give your chicks in the brooder a stuffed animal to hid under? Read that in a book, what are your thoughts?

- What kinds of treats can i give them to peck at and explore? i.e piece of an apple?

I have 9 babies total! They are all so cute Two cochin, two Orpingtons, and five RIRxBR cross (all barred)