Flopping about right after hatch...normal?

[Tracyree]

First time hatching. Just watched one hatch. It's flopping about a lot. Keeps landing on its back then flopping around more.

I'm assuming this is normal as it hasn't learned to use its little appendages just yet now that it's free.

Tell me it's normal.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's normal. He's been scrunched up in that little shell for however long, and hatching is hard work. So he's tired, weak and trying to make those little legs work.

 

[Tracyree]

Thanks for the reassurance. That's what I thought, but it's a little unnerving. The little thing has been peeping it's lungs out. I'd love to put it in the brooder but there is one egg zipping and I'm afraid to open the incubator.

 

[bobbi-j]

I prefer to leave them in the incubator until they're dry and fluffy. They're usually moving around better by then, too. It doesn't hurt them to stay in the 'bator for a while.