Hatch Day......Yay!!!

[cbourbeau32]

Well the long anticipated day has arrived for our family. Our little white hen sat dutifully (on others eggs as I had to restart her after 5 days) but she was rewarded with 7 of 9 eggs (so far) hatching. The new chicks have fresh water and starter food ready for them. They are starting to climb down out of the nest and investigate their surroundings. My family is very excited. I appreciate all I've learned on this forum that got us to this point.

Thanks, Charlie

 

[WVduckchick]

Congratulations!

 

[cbourbeau32]

Thanks, when she's off the nest (we can't stay away from them) I can see one of the other two eggs and it looks like I can see a small hole pecked in the side of the egg. Should I try to help get it out or just let nature take it's course?

Charlie

 

[WVduckchick]

How's it going Charlie? Did the other 2 make it out?

 

[cbourbeau32]

How's it going Charlie? Did the other 2 make it out?

Thanks for asking, when I went out last night to remove the egg shells from the nest near dark I took out both eggs to look at them. One was not cracked or anything but one had a small "peep hole" in it and I could hear the chick chirping but I put it back under it's momma. Hopefully it will be out by today. I read where it's best not to help them so I'll just let nature take its course. I'll probably candle the other one if no action is happening with it tonight. Sure exciting for the family. This is our first homegrown "livestock".

Charlie

 

[WVduckchick]

Thanks for asking, when I went out last night to remove the egg shells from the nest near dark I took out both eggs to look at them. One was not cracked or anything but one had a small "peep hole" in it and I could hear the chick chirping but I put it back under it's momma. Hopefully it will be out by today. I read where it's best not to help them so I'll just let nature take its course. I'll probably candle the other one if no action is happening with it tonight. Sure exciting for the family. This is our first homegrown "livestock".

Charlie

Excellent! If momma is still sitting, and hasn't rolled them out of the nest, then it should hatch. Very nice for you and your family. Enjoy!

 

[cbourbeau32]

Well number 8 of 9 is out of the shell (with a little help) and after about two hours was looking like it might just make it. Number 9 sounded like liquid when I shook it so I took it out and tossed it on the ground and sure enough it must not have been fertilized. 8 of 9 hatched has me very happy. If all 8 make it then I'll count this a very resounding success, especially since this was my hens and my first hatch.

Thanks, Charlie

 

[WVduckchick]

Awww how sweet! Enjoy!