First Attempt at Incubating Underway - UPDATE - Operation: Booties

[kathyinmo]

What's today's report? We need an update! YAY!

 

[sangel4you]

I agree...how is today coming for the rest?!

 

[kathyinmo]

I think they are having so much fun with the new babies, they don't have time to get on the computer!

 

[kathyinmo]

Do you want to see pictures of the parent stock? Here they are:
This is Obama, my big beautiful mutt roo. He was given to me with my silkies. So named, as President of the Silkies, where he lived until he got too big! The guy said he is 1/2 silkie. Ha, I don't know where, maybe in the gene pool? He is big and beautiful!

This is Rupert, the Cuckoo Marans rooster:

Here is Ricky, the Rhode Island Red rooster.

The mothers are Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, Red sex links, Black sex links,

And this Easter Egger is blue (grey) with black and brown hackles, and is laying pink eggs...

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

Have they fluffed out yet?

 

[mischievouschickens]

We were out all day today and didn't have an opportunity to provide an update until now. Had to upload some pictures and more videos which took some time. To date, of the original 14 set during lockdown, 6 have hatched and seem to be healthy thus far. 4 were just placed into their new brooder and appear happy - eating but haven't seen them drinking yet (yes, the first thing I did was dip each of their beaks into water). There are 3 that have zipped but just haven't made it out yet. One has been taking *a very long* time to get out, about 36 hours now. I fear it won't make it out but perhaps I will be pleasantly surprised. The others have showed no signs - no pipping, no rocking. I'm a little worried but today is only Day 21 (the others were early). Of those remaining, 2 are silkies. I sure hope they make it.

So here are the pictures. Here are the latest ones that hatched -

Cheering section:

Here's a video for your enjoyment.

I've noticed that they each like their own corner. Those that have hatched most recently look for their own space, preferring to be alone over congregating with the others. The older ones are just the opposite, enjoying bunching together and perhaps even "trapping" a younger one.

Because of this behavior and also the ability of the older ones to literally run around the bator now, we thought it wise to separate them. Also, we noticed the older ones pecking at those trying to extricate themselves but not quite getting there. They seemed to be almost "picking on them", "C'mon, get out! Let's play!". Well, we couldn't have that so the fluffed out ones were placed in the brooder. I did take a 5th out too, but it started shaking in the brooder so I quickly replaced it back into the bator where it must have been more comfortable.

Salty!

Fluffy Butts:

Another video. Salty is very curious, catches me shooting the video and comes charging. Ooops!

Hopefully, tomorrow we'll see progress on the others!

 

[Painted Spirit]

Oh too cute! Great video!

 

[annanicole18]

i didn't watch the second video but your first was great! the timing was just perfect to catch them popping out of the zip! now i cannot wait til sping to attempt another hatch and its not even offcially winter yet

congrats on all your healthy babies

 

[Happy Chooks]

Congrats on the babies!

 

[kathyinmo]

Oh, so cool ! I love your pictures. Sure hope the silkies hatch! Right now I have one of the silkies (buff) broody. I have taken her off the nest 4 times a day for the past 3 days! Silly chicken!