KY Mae Hen
Chirping
- Sep 21, 2011
- 8
- 0
- 60
My name is KY Mae Hen, NOVICE... this is my first incubator batch.. two eggs are hatching? Neighbor mentioned I should be hearing them tap... and the last three days I did. What I didn't know was not to touch or turn the eggs the last three days so I think... oh gads I don't know... any way is anyone out there? As mentioned, two are hatching and stupid is as stupid who does not do her homework, I am helping the chicks with their shell as it has been several hours. but now I think that was not a prudent idea! There was a 4-H video that showed the chickies hatching in 18 minutes. Now as I read more since my chickies were not breaking out of their shell... it normally takes about 6 hours... aarrgh...stupid video ( I love 4-H so don't get me wrong there.. best program ever!!!).
I am using a self turning incubator that keeps the eggs at about 97. I have added water every day or almost every day. Pipping must be when the chick is busting open the egg. WHAT IS LOCK DOWN?
After finally getting into this site, I discovered my last three days I was doing everything wrong... I just removed the egg holders hours before the first chick busted its shell. I thought I heard chipping in about four eggs and did not know I was not to turn the eggs so now I don't hear chipping in two of the four... The incubator moves them back and forth but I figured I should spin them. Neighbor told me to keep the eggs with the large side up but I finally thought that doesn't feel right so I turned the sideways, small end down.
Guess my QUESTION IS...I picked away at the shell and after reviewing the website that recommended helping the chicks, have covered the membrane with a moist cloth... I am just about in tears, I could help the chicks with their shell, but then there is the membrane and the moisture... OMGoodness.
On a good note. I am building a new coop for the chickens. It is out of recycled products so the time element is elongated but it is going to be awesome. Thank you to all the folks who contributed coop plans.
I am using a self turning incubator that keeps the eggs at about 97. I have added water every day or almost every day. Pipping must be when the chick is busting open the egg. WHAT IS LOCK DOWN?
After finally getting into this site, I discovered my last three days I was doing everything wrong... I just removed the egg holders hours before the first chick busted its shell. I thought I heard chipping in about four eggs and did not know I was not to turn the eggs so now I don't hear chipping in two of the four... The incubator moves them back and forth but I figured I should spin them. Neighbor told me to keep the eggs with the large side up but I finally thought that doesn't feel right so I turned the sideways, small end down.
Guess my QUESTION IS...I picked away at the shell and after reviewing the website that recommended helping the chicks, have covered the membrane with a moist cloth... I am just about in tears, I could help the chicks with their shell, but then there is the membrane and the moisture... OMGoodness.
On a good note. I am building a new coop for the chickens. It is out of recycled products so the time element is elongated but it is going to be awesome. Thank you to all the folks who contributed coop plans.
