Hatched eggs in an incubator

[SHE EGG]

I have about 40 eggs in an incubator. They are almost ready to hatch. Problem is I don't know what to do once they hatch. I read somewhere to give them to a brooding hen after 3 days. I don't have a brooding hen. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[GitaBooks]

This means you get to be the mommy-hen!

First off you let them all hatch in peace. Leave the incubator alone. Once most of them or all of them have hatched and are dry you should move them to a brooder. Because there are so many you may want to split them into two groups, since large groups tend to be slightly less tame and more prone to stepping on one another.
Any remaining eggs should be listened to and candled. If you hear any pipping or pecking or see movement through the shell than put the egg back. You can also assist chicks out of eggs if they are taking too long, but don't be too quick to assume they need help.
The chicks in the brooder should have a heat light (if they are all kept together they may need two) or else some other way of heating them, though they also need a cooler area to escape to. They need chick starter and some water.

And then the fun begins!


(My new chicks. I have 18 of them. They are on a dirt floor. The leopard patterning is a pillowcase, which allows good grip for their little claws)



Good luck with them!

 

[RubyNala97]

You should have a brooder set up to put them in. Use a thermometer to make sure it's warm enough. Here's a link to the brooder thread to give you some ideas. Also make sure you put marbles or clean pebbles in the water. Chicks try to drown themselves.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders

 

[AmyLynn2374]

You should have a brooder set up to put them in. Use a thermometer to make sure it's warm enough. Here's a link to the brooder thread to give you some ideas. Also make sure you put marbles or clean pebbles in the water. Chicks try to drown themselves.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders

xs 2. You should have a brooder set up with a heating source at ONE end of the brooder (a good majority use a heating/brooding light). The heated end should be between 95-100 the first week and then you can decrease it by 5 degrees each week after until you meet room temps. The chicks will move in and out under the light as they need the warmth. I use sterile rocks in my waterer and I use sav a chick electrolyte in my water for the first couple of days.

You do not need to put chicks under a broody hen at any point. If you have a broody hen and you want them to be raised by a momma hen, then yes, that's one way to do it. Many chicks that are hatched artificially are brooded in a brooder until they are old enough to be outted to a grow out pen or introduced to the main coop.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

BTW: