Blood in incubator

[MaryZoe]

Four years of hatching, and I’ve never seen this. Anyone else ever seen it? I assume the chick will not it make it. It looks like one eye may not be fully developed. I tried to get a shot of it. I

had to go out of town for a couple days before hatch, so I locked-down early. Could this be due to not sufficient turning in the last 5 days? And should I take all the eggs out and clean out the inc’y? I probably have some pipped eggs in there, so I hate to open it. Suggestions?

 

[Mvan42]

I would leave it and see what happens. The chick might have hit a vessel while zipping. I had a very bloody shell this spring chick was fin though.

 

[MaryZoe]

I would leave it and see what happens. The chick might have hit a vessel while zipping. I had a very bloody shell this spring chick was fin though.

Interesting. I sure hope that’s the case! I keep looking for any other cause, but I don’t see anything obvious.

 

[Mvan42]

Interesting. I sure hope that’s the case! I keep looking for any other cause, but I don’t see anything obvious.

What did the shell look like? What about the chicks bottom/vent. Does that look ok?

 

[MaryZoe]

What did the shell look like? What about the chicks bottom/vent. Does that look ok?

As far as I can see, the shell and vent look okay, but I don’t want to open the ‘bator, as he was one of the first to hatch. I have several pips I hate to affect.

 

[Mvan42]

It should be ok, just be patient and see how it does

 

[chickens really]

You definitely can open the incubator. I'd remove baby and check umbilical area. You can clean out the incubator too by removing eggs and covering with a heated towel as you get it back to working. Add warm water back in and all is good.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Yer chickie didn't absorb all of the juices in the egg prior to hatching or umbilical related.
All the fluid is NUTRIENTS yer chickies need with the first crucial days of development if that is the case..
Bleeding umbil should stop when chickie dries(coagulation).
I would add a vitamins & electrolytes supplement as soon as chickie goes into the brooder. Make sure chickie dries beforehand.

Best wishes-
connie

 

[Mvan42]

How’s it doing?

 

[MaryZoe]

Thanks for checking. Almost all the chicks hatched, and all still seem fine. Tomorrow all head to the brooder, where they’ll have water with vitamin supplements one day and probiotics the next. I opened the ‘bator this morn and removed the few chicks who were dry and vigorous. I don’t think the guy who didn’t absorb all the nutrients was among those moved to the brooder. But he’ll definitely be there tomorrow. Here’s hoping he’ll be fine!