Hatching with 2 broodies

[16 paws]

Farmer Viola,
I guess it depends on how warm it is at night. I believe at 2 and a half weeks they should be at about 75 degrees, is that how warm it is at night there? I think I would put them in a dog crate with one broody at night so she has to sleep with them if it is not 75 degrees just to be on the safe side.
Let us know
Marie

 

[Farmer Viola]

I would be worried about them getting chilled at night. What are the temps like? This arctic blast thing has cooled things off even here in Georgia, it was 60 last night which is 10 degrees lower than normal. Even if the cold doesn't kill them outright it could make them a bit weaker I would think.

Meanwhile my young broody is back on infertile eggs. I gave her two incubator eggs but yesterday afternoon noticed she was off of them BOTH times I went out to check the hens. First time I thought "Okay, it is break time". Second time two hours later she was off them again and I put them under the older broody (who is now in lock down mode and isn't leaving the nest at ALL).

I keep checking the eggs in the incubator....can't wait to see a pip! LOL I know I am going to be completely obsessed with these chicks for the next couple of weeks, running out to the hen house every hour to see how things are going.

ACK. Last night it was 55, tonight 58

OMG!!! Two of the incubator eggs have external pips! Also i hear tiny peeps from the eggs!!!

That likely means that mama broody (sitting on 5 eggs) has some hatching too!

Sheesh I gotta get the brooder set up in the house (just in case of emergencies) and the divider in the coop. Wow.

HOORAY!!! So excited for you

now comes the longest wait ever

Farmer Viola,
I guess it depends on how warm it is at night. I believe at 2 and a half weeks they should be at about 75 degrees, is that how warm it is at night there? I think I would put them in a dog crate with one broody at night so she has to sleep with them if it is not 75 degrees just to be on the safe side.
Let us know
Marie

NOOOO It's no where near 75 at night here in Oregon! It is quite warm for us though, almost 60, and 90's during the day. It was 55 last night, 58F tonight expected. it has been very hot during the days and all the hens pant, so maybe by night they appreciate the coolness?

All the chicks were in a pile and perfectly content, not crying at all. I think if they cried, BJ would get down and lay on them? they just went in their corner and slept, beneath the roost btw, no one was smothered in poop though Our coop is also insulated on all sides except the floor, which is sand and up off the ground. it is probably warmer inside the insulated coop at night, but not sure how much warmer. I could put a thermometer in there tonight, if I remember.

Bertha and BJ are still mothering today, so that's good! all the chicks are alive and happy this morning. they were laying in the "hot sun" this morning (61) and preening a good 12-15ft away from the moms. maybe they are trying to transition them already? I really hope not..

 

[16 paws]

That is really early but I guess they are all so different. I have a tiny little frizzle with 4 babys and they are still following the mama around, they were hatched almost 2 months ago. Now get this, I heard the little boy crowing already!

Very tiny and soft but a crow for sure....I will have to find that guy a new home or my wonderful neighbor will be even more cranky

 

[ItalyChickie]

Quickie update from my phone - major thunderstorm over and the power has been out for over 4 hrs now!!! I also had some eggs in the bator (was afraid there were too many) and they were rocking and peeping when the power went out... waited an hour or so, and decided to give them to the hens.

So now all I can do is hope that moving them at this stage didn't do too much damage... Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Sonya, so glad all is going well for you!

 

[16 paws]

Sorry about the power going out. Wouldnt you just know it , right when they are hatching?
Hope all goes well
Marie

 

[Sonya9]

Quickie update from my phone - major thunderstorm over and the power has been out for over 4 hrs now!!! I also had some eggs in the bator (was afraid there were too many) and they were rocking and peeping when the power went out... waited an hour or so, and decided to give them to the hens.

So now all I can do is hope that moving them at this stage didn't do too much damage... Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Sonya, so glad all is going well for you!

Crossing my fingers for your eggs! Good thing you had live incubators available. We have had daily thunder storms and every time it hits I think about the power too.

 

[16 paws]

Whats happening Sonya9, any news?

 

[ItalyChickie]

Another quick one - I know for sure there are two chicks under Pallina, saw them peek out. She is sitting tight so others are probably hatching.

Chiocciola has standard size eggs, Araucana, so not expecting those until tomorrow (it's early morning of day 20 for me), but she is also hunkered down.

The power came back on after 11 pm last night! 7 hour blackout... Really glad I didn't wait longer before making the decision to transfer.

More updates later..

Sonya, looking forward to your updates!

 

[ItalyChickie]

So, while I'm anxiously waiting to meet whoever is peeping under Pallina right now (nope, still haven't seem more than an occasional glimpse!), I thought I'd share my news on Bonnie and the gang of 13, who are now officially grown up and on the roosts! Well, Bonnie decided they were old enough, in any case... they weren't too thrilled at first, but went along with the idea.... after trying to all fit on top of and under Bonnie, that is.

 

[Sonya9]

So we had two of the 3 incubator eggs hatch last night. First was a little pullet then 2 hours later the second egg hatched and out popped a beautiful tiny cockerel (we are trying for boys, one or two little roosters).

These pictures can't begin to do them justice. They are so very very tiny and perfect and full of personality!!! Yes I know I am biased but I am totally taken with these little characters! Plus BB Red OEGB's have the same social and inquisitive personalities as adults.

Video of the little pullet before her brother arrived:

And a grainy pic of both together, surprised they still look wet even after 7-10 hours!