Can someone confirm this is normal?

[z3lda3]

We all do - and we all understand - you see just because I am an old chicken lady - well I am still a crazy chicken lady, and so are most of the posters here! haha

Right now, I am thinking about adjusting my flock for winter, separating out some cockerel chicks, picking cull birds and to make it just a bit worse -yes, I set some eggs under Gramma Feathers (who has no business going broody in August). Crazy

But if you want anxiety - set eggs! longest 21 days ever!

Who you telling???
Just hatched 2 days ago.
Donna, Clara, and Ruby.

 

[Debbie292d]

But if you want anxiety - set eggs! longest 21 days ever!

I can attest to this. I have hatched several dozens of times, and it just does not get old! I've got it down to only two candlings (7 days incubated and at lockdown) and hold myself back from doing it daily lol.

 

[Debbie292d]

Who you telling???
Just hatched 2 days ago.
Donna, Clara, and Ruby.

Beautiful! But, how many times did you just stand there and stare at the eggs, or when you candled them and one moved, nearly dropped it as you're so excited? I just hatched 35 two days ago and my incubator looks sad. I'll go into a depression of sorts now as this last hatch was my last until 2025.

 

[z3lda3]

Beautiful! But, how many times did you just stand there and stare at the eggs, or when you candled them and one moved, nearly dropped it as you're so excited? I just hatched 35 two days ago and my incubator looks sad. I'll go into a depression of sorts now as this last hatch was my last until 2025.

Omg I’m sooo glad it’s not just me! It’s AMAZING to watch the little embryos moving around! The longest for me is from pip to zip, it feels like an eternity! And then after pipping I’ll hear chirping, my husband has to stop me from “helping”. He’s like “babe you know better” Yes I do but it obviously needs help (no it doesn’t, I’m just a crazy person).
Full disclosure I’ve never intervened with hatching. Yet.

 

[Debbie292d]

Omg I’m sooo glad it’s not just me! It’s AMAZING to watch the little embryos moving around! The longest for me is from pip to zip, it feels like an eternity! And then after pipping I’ll hear chirping, my husband has to stop me from “helping”. He’s like “babe you know better” Yes I do but it obviously needs help (no it doesn’t, I’m just a crazy person).
Full disclosure I’ve never intervened with hatching. Yet.

It is tempting for sure, but they can take up to 24 hours from pipping to hatching and best to let them do it. When helped, that's when the propensity for splayed legs, disjointed legs, and wry neck increases greatly.

I had to help one of 35 out because they all hatched but that one, and it was Day 22, plus I knew the air cell was on the side of the egg. (a hen issue). I figured he might not get out on his own, so I reluctantly broke in and right then he darned near jumped right out. I ran him back to the incubator and he finished the job himself in a few seconds. Not all go that great!

Should you ever feel you must help, here's a great article that explains it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[z3lda3]

It is tempting for sure, but they can take up to 24 hours from pipping to hatching and best to let them do it. When helped, that's when the propensity for splayed legs, disjointed legs, and wry neck increases greatly.

I had to help one of 35 out because they all hatched but that one, and it was Day 22, plus I knew the air cell was on the side of the egg. (a hen issue). I figured he might not get out on his own, so I reluctantly broke in and right then he darned near jumped right out. I ran him back to the incubator and he finished the job himself in a few seconds. Not all go that great!

Should you ever feel you must help, here's a great article that explains it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

I’m so glad your biddies hatched A-ok! Hopefully I’ll never have to help. When it comes to egg hatching I’m a believer of let Mother Nature do her thing. I mean if necessary I will, but only if I have to. I’ve read the horror stories.
Btw I’d love to hatch 35!! How adorable would that be, all of them chirping and jumping around!

 

[Debbie292d]

I’m so glad your biddies hatched A-ok! Hopefully I’ll never have to help. When it comes to egg hatching I’m a believer of let Mother Nature do her thing. I mean if necessary I will, but only if I have to. I’ve read the horror stories.
Btw I’d love to hatch 35!! How adorable would that be, all of them chirping and jumping around!

Usually I hatch about 15-18 at a time so this is like a double batch for me. A little more hectic.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I don’t know if it matters but they’re all eating layer feed and oyster shells. And every few days eggs with the shell.

Check into a grower feed or All Flock feed that you can feed everyone. Chicks, layers and your boys.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Who you telling???
Just hatched 2 days ago.
Donna, Clara, and Ruby.

Cuteness...

**Requires more details.

 

[z3lda3]

Check into a grower feed or All Flock feed that you can feed everyone. Chicks, layers and your boys.

Wait, I thought layers needed extra calcium and chicks needed medicated and the boys needed extra protein. Are you telling me there’s an all flock feed???