I could see where it would be difficult to not help. Personally, I look at it as survival of the fittest and won't interfere. If I end up with 7 out of 12 then that's 7 more than I had before I started.Thank you for your response chicnhurder! I did not want to go the assisted hatch route. I just felt like it was my only option at the point we were at. The whole process took 3 days!
I agree don't do it unless you're sure they will die otherwise.
I didn't plan on hatching any eggs! I found a nest with a dead and decomposing duck mother and no organization (DNR, humane society, wildlife rehab)would help so I took it upon myself. A crazy decision I know!
Of the 8 eggs only these two survived.Good luck with your first hatch!
I've got 7 chicks (FBCM) in the bator right now and another one pipped. Before I bought my bator, I gave a guy 6 of my French Black Copper Marans eggs to hatch for me since he does it all the time. I offered to split with him. I don't know him that well but according to him, only one chick hatched so I told him to just keep it for his time. I have no proof that more did or didn't hatch but when I saw him a month later and asked how the chick was doing, he responded that "they" were doing fine and then, realizing what he'd said, he had that look on his face like he'd just been caught in a lie. He earned his way onto my DO NOT TRUST list.
Good luck with yours.
