Diary & Notes ~ Air Cell Detatched SHIPPED Chicken Eggs for incubation and hatching

[cochins1088]

You know, I wanted to say something to everyone as they seem to take egg shells out of the incubator right away.
I leave mine and they eat part of them, I am wondering if there is a benefit to chicks doing it natural like this?

Discussion please? thoughts? anyone find info on this?

hmm.. I don't think I've ever seen mine eat the shells. I'm setting at least 20 eggs tonight, so I'll have to watch for that in 3 weeks.

I would think that'd it be a calcium overload for them. I've lost pullets and cockerels because of high levels of calcium in their feed... but that was over a longer time period rather than a quick bite after hatch.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Every hatch I have had when the chicks perk up they eat those tiny pieces, I cant see how its not natural. I am not saying rip the big shells apart lol.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I cant find anything online either, I have no clue what to type in search either LOL

 

[cochins1088]

Every hatch I have had when the chicks perk up they eat those tiny pieces, I cant see how its not natural. I am not saying rip the big shells apart lol.

You hatch your chicks on those matts, so they have access to those tiny pieces. I hatch mine on wire, so the small pieces fall to the ground. That would explain why I've never seen them do this before.

I'm sure it's natural and fine, but I don't think it's necessary. I wonder if there are any articles written on it.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: Makes sense! and yup that's why I am searching.... in the nest and in the wild chicks would have access to all of that shtuff. still searching University stuff.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

You hatch your chicks on those matts, so they have access to those tiny pieces. I hatch mine on wire, so the small pieces fall to the ground. That would explain why I've never seen them do this before.

I'm sure it's natural and fine, but I don't think it's necessary. I wonder if there are any articles written on it.

I have wire also. And they fall through. Not sure if it really helps if they eat it or not, since they are really not in there very long.

I take the big shells out right away. I can't take the smell. Stinks up the whole room. Can't see how that could be very good for the chicks either. Outside at least the air is moving that bad rotten smell around.

 

[cochins1088]

Quote: Makes sense! and yup that's why I am searching.... in the nest and in the wild chicks would have access to all of that shtuff. still searching University stuff.

Yes they would. I wonder if it really is beneficial for them.

I don't think that they need the extra calcium and it could potentially damage their livers in large amounts.

Let the records show that I'm simply thinking "out-loud" I could be 100% wrong, haha.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

3 out 2 pipped one looks like it wants to zip!

 

[Doug Hodges]

Back at work. Im way behind. Ill be checking in

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Morning Doug! Happy work day