Help help :( panicking.

[Reurra]

I know how you feel! I was only able to get a couple of hours of sleep on my first hatch too!!!

 

[Ms Steak]

I managed 4 hours the other night. I was napping all through the next day. On paper it seems like such a lovely cosy hobby

 

[GeorgRodway]

Good gracious some one please give me strength ! This is so Tiring I've been sat at this bator chipping bits of egg away for 2 hours ! Is nearly midnight here in the uk! I'm scared that if I go to bed the chicks membranes will dry out but I have damp cloths in there and sponges god this is so scarey ! Time consuming hobby don't you think ?

 

[Ms Steak]

Someone suggested coconut butter to me, and I luckily had some in the house. That kept the membrane moist for ages. It certainly lasted long enough for me to get a few hours sleep.

 

[caitanni]

But it will be worth it, just like having a baby. LoL

 

[Reurra]

I had to learn a ton of patience! It was sooooo hard! There is still lots of veining there. You will notice when they start to become wispy and faded, some will no longer connect and will look broken up. Also, the yolk will be much smaller. When mine hatched the yolk was nearly gone when I assisted. Only one had a tiny visible yolk sack on his bum and it was smaller than my pinkie finger nail.

If hes moving, hes alive. He will turn over and move toward where the air sack is when its time, just like a human baby turns over for a head presentation in the pelvis. Thats when you will notice the beak easier. Also, to see the beak, you will notice that the eye is a big bulging dark spot under the skin, like the eye of an octopus, round and bulgy, but covered in fine wet feathers. The wing will be up over its head as if he is covering his head from rain. The tip of the wing should be over the eye and the eye of course is right near the nostrils.

here is a link with a good picture. The beak should be in his armpit.

http://blog.mypetchicken.com/2012/04/20/how-to-become-ms-or-mr-mother-hen-day-1/

http://opishposh.com/what-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg/

http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/00120-chick-in-half-an-egg


This link is really good. Click the first image at the top of the page, the diagram.

http://www.poultryhub.org/physiology/incubation/

We are all cheering for you and you have our support!

 

[Reurra]

If you need sleep, dont worry, those little guys still need some time. Moisten a few layers of paper towels and drape them over the eggs. Shape them into a tent so they are not alying directly on the eggs. Add some extra pieces of paper towel around the edges to help keep humidity up. then take a break and relax! Watch a movie, take a shower, or since its so late, go to bed! Even if you get only a cat nap, its OK!!

Ive also heard olive oil works, if you dont have coco butter.

 

[GeorgRodway]

Well guys I'm sat here like a mother hen waiting for my baby's to shown signs ! So I should put wet paper over the egg ?

 

[Reurra]

I would do that. Make sure to warm it with warm water and rest it over the top. Make sure there are gaps under it in case he breaks through and starts breathing. You dont want the towel to smother him.

Here is a picture of wheat I did for mine.



Look carefully and you can see his little foot right over his eye.

 

[Reurra]

I have to sign off for the night and head to bed, but I will be up early in the morning here in Nova Scotia. That should be 4 hours behind you. I should be on roughly between 10-10:30 your time. I will be praying for your little babies!!