Halloween ~ Hatch Day!

[CK Chickadilly]

WoW! I guess I better get cracking too!

The hatch is right around the corner & I better be ready. Tomorrow I better get things set up.

Depending on how many hatch, I will probably just use a large box set up into the bathtub. I have those 6 crazy poodles to deal with so that will be a safe place to keep them. Then as they are a tad bit older, I will move them to the polebarn into the 100 gal. tank & put it on a skid so that it is not on the cold cement floor. Got my lights bought, now if I can just remember where the heck I put them.

I better make a list!

 

[thegoogers]

Alright...lets make a list.

I have never had baby chicks! Help me add to the list!

Brooder (box, cage, etc)
Light
Chick Starter
Chick Feeder
Chick Waterer
Newspapers/papertowels
Pine Shavings


What else??

Are you giving straight water or sugar water?

 

[KellyHM]

I give straight water. Just make sure you dip their beaks in it so they know it's there.

 

[UrbanMama]

Quote:
Looks like a good list!

I've got a few brooders ready for back-ups.
First will be the aquarium, then we have some blow-up kiddie pools with roofs (I bought 2 on clearance at Walmart) and then a 4'x6' kids play yard and black plastic sheeting to put under it. I only have one light though...and only one feeder and 2 waterers....trip to Agway!


****ETA that I plan on using pure water...I've heard/or read sugar water can cause diarhea??***

 

[CK Chickadilly]

Ok, I am so bummed! I think I have lost another Silkie

It just doesn't look like the other ones. I only have 7 left out of 14. Well I guess I should be thankful if only 1 hatches right?

I am going to use plain water.


(edited to add) How can 1 day everything looks fine & the next day it is just not fine???? Can anybody answer that? I am so frustrated right now! Just when you think things are going well BAM!

 

[UrbanMama]

Quote:
I'm sorry...

 

[hatchaholic]

Quote:
Plain water has always worked well for my day-old chicks. But, I wouldn't use newspapers. It is too slick and can contribute to leg problems.

 

[texaschickmama]

On day 18, which is on Tues, what do you bump your humidity up to? I have had mine around 50% the whole hatch, temps have been very steady at 99.3-99.7. What do y'all think?

 

[KellyHM]

I usually bump mine to 65-70%.

 

[texaschickmama]

What do you keep the humidity at during the whole incubation?