Did I move to brooder too soon?

[Loralye]

I hatched 3 cochin bantams, 1 was in the incubator for 12 hours drying off, 1 was in there for 9 the other for 7 hrs. Two are fluffing out, but one still that was in there for 7 hrs looks like it might have been a bit wet still and I'm freaking out!

My incubator temps around 35 celcius, so obviously it's colder than what they were experiencing in the incubator, but hot enough as per my research. No drafts.

I just want to scoop the smaller wetter looking one up and cup it in my hands and breath warm air on it She is trying to snuggle into the other two, the other two seem okay to just sleep on their own under the light right now. She had a really long hatch and seems smaller and weaker, not moving around as good as the others yet They pecked at some food on the ground. I don't want to reach my hand in to show them water right now because the temp will drop so I guess I'll wait.

I've read that if they are cold they will huddle under the light, and make sounds of distress....she will peep a bunch right if she's unhappy? Not just drop dead? Is there anything else I should watch for?

It's funny how I can research and research through the whole incubation and feel completely incompetent when I'm actually doing it

There's mild peeping going on on and off.

 

[diamondsilkies]

I think she'll be just fine temperature-wise. You are correct, if she gets too cold she will start chirping loudly and huddle directly under the light. She may also hunch over and keep her eyes closed. But so far it sounds like you are doing everything right. Mild peeping is completely normal.

Some chicks perk up very soon after hatching and some take a little longer. She may just be tired from a long hatch. Consider putting some electrolytes in the water if you are concerned about her, it won't do any harm. Let us know if she perks up within the next day or so. If not, then that might be something to worry about, but for now, I think she's okay.

Congratulations on your first hatch! I know how you feel, my nerves did not fare well during my first few hatches...Don't worry, it gets easier as time goes on.

 

[Loralye]

Thanks so much. I think I overreacted, now they spaced themselves out a bit and she seems less panicky trying to hide under the others. I already put electrolytes in the water before moving them in, I read before they hatched that it could help with pasty butt and other issues so I made sure I was ready.
It's so nerve wracking, thanks for writing back. Looks like I'll be sleeping on the couch tonight to monitor them anyway

 

[Kgbao]

Congrats on the new babies.

 

[Loralye]

Thanks