cull viable eggs- Updated- one out and heading home in bator

[kupi99]

I am sadly facing the realistic possiblity that I will have to cull eggs with chicks in the them, and I am wondering what is the most humane way to do it.

I am school teacher, and today is day 21, and none of the 4 eggs that I set in my LG have hatched. 2 of them looked good to go at lockdown, and we had one rocking some in the bator today around 2pm. It's now 5:45, and it's made no futher progress. Tomorrow is a half day of school, and our last day before Easter break. I will be out of town for 3 days over break, and will be unable to care for the eggs/chicks while I am gone. If the eggs haven't hatched by the time we leave school tomorrow, I'll need to go ahead and cull them, as I have no way to care for them.

I would hate to come back from break, and discover a little chick who made it out, but then died from being left alone in the bator too long.

I am, of course, really sad about needing to do this

. Partially this is my own fault, since I didn't realize in advance that you don't count the day you set them as day one which shortened the time they needed to hatch. I'm also unsure about what happened. This year, I've had mostly really steady temps, good humidity, and two of the eggs looked be in good shape at lockdown. So I don't know why they haven't hatched yet. I had some humidity issues on day 19-20 (which was over the weekend), but there were no pips yet of course, so I got everything back under control.

Please no flames, as I am pretty upsett about this. With everything looking good durning incubation, I was really hoping for an on time hatch. This is the first time this has happened to me, and I just need some good advice about the humane way to handle this. Thank you.

It would be very helpful if I could recieve some responces before noon tomorrow, when school lets out.

 

[Emmalion]

If you really need to do it place them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold will slow the chicks system down and they will pass peacefully.

But please try calling friends or another teacher anyone who can take the bator in for a few days and possibly care for the chicks once they hatch. They don't need much just some chick starter, fresh water and a nice warm place to sleep.

If I am anywhere near you give me a holla and I will come and get them if need be.

 

[LindsayB]

Maybe you could ask some of the parents if they want to try and hatch them/ care for them. It wouldn't hurt.

If your close to me I'll take them!!

 

[aggie9296]

That's an idea. See if any BYCers are close to you that could take them for you? These people are everywhere!

 

[Emmalion]

Maybe you should add to the name of the thread asking if anyone one is willing to take in the bator and eggs while you are gone. There has to be someone close to you and I know there are a lot of very nice and willing to help people on here.

 

[Chihuahuamom444]

There HAS to be someome to take the bator and all, that would be a Shame to cull them now

 

[ChickyLaura]

I think you need to do a "shout out" with your location. If there's a BYC member in your area, maybe they'd be willing to take over. It's worth a shot! I'd definitely ask another teacher if they could take over, or a janitor, or a lunch lady - anyone! It doesn't hurt to ask!

 

[LindsayB]

Where are you located???

 

[TreeHugger]

I agree! I've got eggs due to hatch on Thursday. I'd be more then happy to take them if you're close!

 

[heatherindeskies]

Please give us a general location! someone may PM you and help you!! We are not judging... we only want to help! Together you and someone here may give those chicks a chance!