Eggs hatching, chicks in and out of nest!

[arrowti]

Good news! (It was almost bad news for a little while).

This morning the other two eggs had hatched (no idea on the seventh, if it hatched, it may very well be under her or in the process still). One of the hatchlings was lying out in the open on her back. She was very cold (nearly dead cold) and not responsive. But she was breathing. She was brought in and wrapped up in a towel until, miraculously, she started peeping and moving around. After that she was put in a makeshift brooder (cardboard box, towel floor, and that little stand heater that mimics being under a hen). She was there for several hours.

I was worried she may have been rejected by her mother because she was having a very hard time getting around. Dragging herself forward, dropping on her face immediately... not standing at all.

I gave her some warm water + sugar and dipped her beak in it and she drank. Not long after she was peeping very loudly and didn't want to be left alone. She was more alert, holding her eyes open. I decided to bring her out and try and see if the mother would accept her (otherwise, trip to the store for chick friends), and everything went well. The chick crawled under her.

There are now 6 chicks that I know if, including that one. Two chipmunk striped, three whites, and one orange/tan. The other 5 are all poofy and energetic. I'm sure this one would be too if not for her rough start. The hen is still sitting under the eggs that she dragged under her, so maybe there's another coming...

I will try to get pictures!

 

[Citychickengal]

How exciting, congrats on your chicks!! I hope you can get some photos, the little fuzzy butts are always so cute!

 

[arrowti]

Let's just say, around 3 PM I went out and checked and none of the eggs were pipped. I considered taking them out but she still wanted to lay on them so I left them. Good thing I did. At 5 PM I went out and there was a new empty shell on the floor, this one coated in a bloody membrane. I was scared she had killed and eaten the chick so I picked her up to check, and low and behold, there was a new, freshly hatched chick lying under her! Another white one with black stripes!

That chick went from not being externally pipped, or even peeping/moving, to fully hatched and drying within 2 hours! I find that quite amazing since it took the last two a full day and night to hatch from being nearly unzipped.

Note to self: do not move the eggs until mama kicks them out.

Anyway, I did get a few pictures. Fortunately this mama is much less vicious and defensive than the other and at least lets me look at and even touch her chicks (provided they aren't under her, also assuming I don't put my hand within pecking distance).

Just as a count: as of now there are two full chipmunk chicks (basically the striped ones with black eyeliner), one orange + black stripes, two white + black stripes, one white + cream, and one white.

Here you see the orange + black stripes inside the food bowl eating. To the right is a blurry chipmunk chick darting in.

Here you see the lighter chipmunk chick sitting beside the white and cream chick (I think, I can't remember now... maybe that's the orange one... looks light though).

The rescued chick is actually doing wonderful. She's a bit awkward moving but she's now up and walking as well as eating and drinking!

 

[Citychickengal]

Let's just say, around 3 PM I went out and checked and none of the eggs were pipped. I considered taking them out but she still wanted to lay on them so I left them. Good thing I did. At 5 PM I went out and there was a new empty shell on the floor, this one coated in a bloody membrane. I was scared she had killed and eaten the chick so I picked her up to check, and low and behold, there was a new, freshly hatched chick lying under her! Another white one with black stripes!

That chick went from not being externally pipped, or even peeping/moving, to fully hatched and drying within 2 hours! I find that quite amazing since it took the last two a full day and night to hatch from being nearly unzipped.

Note to self: do not move the eggs until mama kicks them out.

Anyway, I did get a few pictures. Fortunately this mama is much less vicious and defensive than the other and at least lets me look at and even touch her chicks (provided they aren't under her, also assuming I don't put my hand within pecking distance).

Just as a count: as of now there are two full chipmunk chicks (basically the striped ones with black eyeliner), one orange + black stripes, two white + black stripes, one white + cream, and one white.

Here you see the orange + black stripes inside the food bowl eating. To the right is a blurry chipmunk chick darting in.

View attachment 1477138
Here you see the lighter chipmunk chick sitting beside the white and cream chick (I think, I can't remember now... maybe that's the orange one... looks light though).
View attachment 1477139
The rescued chick is actually doing wonderful. She's a bit awkward moving but she's now up and walking as well as eating and drinking!

SO adorable!! Glad they’re all doing well!

 

[arrowti]

Here is all of them in one picture! She has moved off the remaining eggs.

All 7 are healthy and moving!

 

[Trux]

Grats on the sonic fuzz balls. My pet name for new chicks.