Chicks coming out of the incubator but still a few questions Picture

[dani2]

Hi,

Well we have had a VERY successful hatch we had 68 eggs to start candled at day 18 and had 10 that were duds but so far almost all the others have hatched we actually thought they were all done as we could no longer see anything in the incubator so we started pulling chicks out and there were a few left so we closed it back up and are eagerly watching again.

But my question is how long until they should start being more active and eating and drinking the only chicks we have ever done have either been mail order or from the feed store oviously those are a bit older and eager to get out and explore. These guys all look healthy but are more interested in just sleeping and of course now that we have had such good luck with the hatching part we want to make sure we do everything possible.

Also we have chicks starter but the pieces are a lot bigger than I remember is there any good way to mash it up a little bit more to make it easier for them to eat?

And of course a picture of my new babies that we are so proud of

Thanks in advance Nicki

 

[Frosty]

I usually put the feed in a pulp egg flat for the first few days. Did you dip their beaks in the water? And watch having them on newspaper, it can give them spraddle leg. Cute bunch, congratulations!

 

[dani2]

Hi what is spraddle leg? We have done shavings in the past but always seem to have problems with chicks eating the shavings then we seem to end up with pasting and have lost a few like this in the past. I dipped a few beaks in teh water but they dont seem all that interested not like the ones we usually get in the mail but I am hoping it is that they are just not old enough yet.

Thanks Nicki

 

[SterlingAcres]

You could probably make a mash for them if you wanted. I used to feed my new chicks in a trough style feeder (you could use an egg carton).

Anyways, the chicks are adorable. Congrats

 

[wegotchickens]

They don't need much except rest for the first 24 hours after hatching. They will perk up soon!!

 

[equine chick]

A chick with spraddle leg looks like they are doing the splits. Use papertowels with little grippers on them for traction. Spraddle leg sometimes can be treated, there are a couple post on here that shows how.

 

[dani2]

Hi thanks for the info I have added a few thin towels for traction although they arent doing much at the moment what is the best bedding to use? I always love the shavings but we lost a few last year and we are thinking that was the problem.

Thanks again Nicki

 

[Frosty]

You can use the shavings, just put paper towels over it for the first few days. The chicks that you hatch won't go after water like chicks that you order because chicks that come in the mail are usually a few days old by the time that they arrive and thirsty after the long trip.

 

[Cetawin]

Quote:
Those are beautiful babies! Congrats. I would also get them off the newspaper.

I have had the same problem with chick starter. I used my coffee grinder to grind it from big pieces to a medium grind.

But be careful a good grinder can powder it if you are not quick about it.

 

[dani2]

Hi we are at 48 chicks now with a few still in the incubator I added some paper towels on top of the newspaper am I just trying to make sure they can get traction? Thanks again Nicki