Day 18 Hatching HELP!!!!

[chickchick1981]

HELP fellow chicken people! My Black Jersey Giant went broody I decided to let her set on eggs that I had gotten from someone on FB. (we aren't allowed a rooster in city limits) Well ONE showed any signs of life but even then it wasn't a sure thing because it was such a dark shell so I knew it was also likely it wasn't fertile... then my friend offered me 6 eggs that were likely fertile but I had my doubts after my first batch showed little to no luck. Well I just went to candle them all and the 6 newbies are on day 7 and ALL are fertile. And the original ONE is on day 18. I hadn't planned on all that nor had I planned ahead. I'm worried if I let the 18 day old chick hatch under her, she will abandon the 7 day old eggs. I don't want any babies dying!!! Can I successfully hatch the 18 day old egg in an incubator?! THANK YOU in advance!!!!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes...put that 18 day old chick in the incubator, after getting it set to right temp, asap

I only have small little incubators as emergency back up, but I've swapped back and forth with expensive shipped eggs to maximize my chances.

I agree. If momma hatches day 18 babe, she will leave the other 6 in a couple of days....or...she may not leave the babes and ignore the older chick.

Few hens, even very experienced hens, could handle that kind of age difference.

Good luck, and keep us posted

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

...the other thought....since you will be hatching a lonely only, and not likely to find chicks in stores at this season.....

Put the day 7 eggs in the incubator and let momma hatch day 18.

I've had plenty of single chick hatches. They do fine with momma. However, single babes in artificial brooders are very unhappy.

ETA: Be aware that momma will either hatch day 18 OR hatch day 7 babes...but you won't likely be able to give day 7 babes back to momma in a couple of weeks...She'll be onto teaching a 2 week old babe how to find goodies in the dirt and won't sit well for babes.

LofMc

 

[chickchick1981]

Thank you SO much for the advice! I've worked myself into heartburn trying to figure out how to help and save these babies! I've decided to incubate the single baby and hope for the best!!! I'll keep you posted!!!