Hatched quail chicks - lethargic, lying flat??

[Cazook]

If the heat plate was laying one edge touching the floor, it’s too low. They are really dumb the first day and will drown, freeze, overheat etc. what brand heat plate do you have? Mine is rent a coop, and the lowest height is perfect for quail, plus I leave the two legs on one side set one setting higher so they have a height range. I’ve heard other brands have different settings, with less height options.

Yeah I eventually figured that out I have it on the lowest setting now and they seem to be fine, no peeping (though one constantly comes outside, jumps on top then peeps for dear life. Think I've got a noisy one @_@. I think I was reading too many horror stories of quail chicks dying + heat plates from them being too high to heat them properly :/

The three seem fine today and have figured out the water thingy and nibble at their crumbs. Already pooping up a storm (how?! they're TINY). Fourth one moved from incubator to brooder this morning.

What's the temperature in the brooder?

16-18c (room temperature) maybe? but of course they're in a small box inside the room with a towel and heating plate as well. Not sure how hot the heating plate gets but it's kept warm a lot of chickens so far.

 

[Cazook]

I do wonder why only 4 out of 23 eggs have hatched though. The ones that did so far with no problems and seem healthy, so maybe it is a problem with the shipped eggs? Or I am just impatient haha.

 

[FloorCandy]

I do wonder why only 4 out of 23 eggs have hatched though. The ones that did so far with no problems and seem healthy, so maybe it is a problem with the shipped eggs? Or I am just impatient haha.

What day is it now?

 

[Cazook]

Day 18... I think. I really can't remember if I managed to count from day 1 or day 0. :L

 

[FloorCandy]

Well if it’s only day 18 don’t give up hope. Are there pips on others yet?

 

[Cazook]

I haven't noticed any but it's difficult to tell on those speckled eggs.

 

[FloorCandy]

I find that I commonly start getting pips on day 17, by night 18 most have pips, and a few have hatched, overnight day 18-19 usually the biggest chunk hatch for me, then some late bloomers on 19. I’ve had day 20 assisted hatchers survive and thrive. After day 20, especially since you had early hatchers, I’d say all hope is lost.

 

[Cazook]

I'll cross fingers for tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

 

[Cazook]

One more hatched today and I think I see pips on two more. Maybe the incubator is low or unstable temperature :S

 

[FloorCandy]

I’m so happy they are hatching!