First time hatcher - Setting April 8 or 9 - Now what?

[1muttsfan]

Having some humidity issues overnight, had a hard time getting the level up, finally went into a hot steamy bathroom and added some extra sponges. 2 chicks pipped at that time were dried out, so I added some moisture and unzipped them a little so the moisture could get in. They were out this morning, but looked exhausted. I have lost count of how many have hatched LOL! Will have to count again when I go home for lunch, but have 3 or 4 welsummers and at least 4 of the lemon blue cochin babies. Looks like the BLRW are all duds, but it's only day 22 for them so we will see.

 

[PacsMan]

Good Job mutts!

I think we're up to 16 now. Kinda hard to count with all that stuff going on in there...

Starting to worry a little bit about food and water. I know they have 48-72 hours, but, if I take out birds and empty shells, and close it back up, can I expect any more hatching?

 

[1muttsfan]

I open mine in a hot, steamy bathroom so that the humidity and temp do not drop. Steams up my glasses tho, maybe I will dig out the Rain X

You get nervous about the rest of the eggs when the hatched chicks kamikazi around, bashing into them and cheeping like mad. It is nice to check pips too.

 

[wowmanacat]

still not a darn thing is happen here.

 

[PacsMan]

Quote:
Shoot! Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hate that when it happens wow -

 

[wowmanacat]

Quote:
Shoot! Keeping my fingers crossed!

Well tomorrow is day 21, I was just thinking that with my temp being so high a lot it would have been early is all.

 

[1muttsfan]

OK so not to worry yet maybe they are just going to be on time

 

[Theo]

I just moved 10 chicks to the brooder. I did this because the last chicked hatched late last night, and the 5 eggs that are left hadn't pipped by this morning. It seemed reasonable to move the chicks, some of whom had been in the brooder for two days. I am going to give the eggs 24 more hours before I toss them.

Because we are slow learners, we had another cat related mishap: while we were transferring the chicks to the brooder, the cat knocked the incubator over. The eggs rolled out of the egg carton and three of them cracked. So if they survive being terribly abused they will be tough chickens.

I will post a photo when I get a chance ... they are really very beautiful chicks, all Buff Orpingtons. 6 are gold and 4 are shades of grey.

 

[PacsMan]

So, I wonder what fricasseed kitty tastes like...