I have had a rough week. I had to let an employee of 3 years go yesterday, of which I only have 4, which are all like family.
But... I am glad to come here, a home away from home, and relax with old friends.... operative word being old
I incubate most of mine and can honestly say that my old styrofoam incubators don't keep my chicks wet and bedraggled looking. After about an hour or so, they are fluffballs. That said, I also have humidity issues so that may be a reason why. I don't have issues with them in the brooder like that either. Rarely do I have them piled under the red heat lamp.
I had my very first broodies.... no longer a broody virgin, about 2 weeks ago and 1 week ago respectively. The first broody hatched 3 out of about 9 eggs. She has 2 left. The other hatched 1 of 7 and has zero left. I may try a broody again in the future and even have a broody box and pen ready. These were in general population.
Any advise in step by step to improve hatch rates of broodies and the safety of their offspring?
Incidentally, this guy, who normally is the cold hearted one that is left to do the killing when warranted, watched the dog bring up 2 baby bunnies up the driveway, and found another in amongst the chickens, is now feeding baby bunnies with a syringe and changing the hot water in a ziplock. Found them yesterday morning, and they still seem pretty strong this morning. I know it is a low percentage proposition raising baby bunnies, but anybody have any experience and tips for that?
From my understanding, mama bunny only feeds 1 time per day and has a lot of collostrum in her milk. I don't have that luxury so I am attempting to feed 3 times a day, 2% milk with water, nuked to warm temp, keeping them warm in a pet carrier in an old tshirt over the water bag.