HELP - one chick has hatched and other only pipped

[danielle24]

Do any of you know what to look for to make sure there doing ok with this being my first time I don't know what I'm looking for. The first chick that was born yesterday is walking around but not seen her eat or drink yet and the one born today is just lying under the heat lamp but gets up and cheeps when I come in. What do they do when there not doing well?

 

[Fancychooklady]

This article should have most of the inevitable questions that you will have. Enjoy!

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/03/baby-chick-basics-what-you-need-to-know.html

 

[Fancychooklady]

I always start them drinking by dipping my finger in the water and touching the end of the beak. Be careful that you water dish is only shallow and place some pebbles or marbles in the bottom to prevent drowning.

 

[danielle24]

I've a extra small drinker and feeder can they drowned in them?

 

[happyhens1972]

They shouldn't do....I use a small chick feeder and drinker. As long as they cannot get themselves stuck in it in any way, they can't drown.

Your chicks don't NEED food or water for about the first 72 hors BUT I always give food and water as soon as they are out of the incy and into the brooder and nine times out of ten, they show some level of interest in it within the first 24 to 48 hours. As long as your chicks are alert and perky looking when they get up and walk round, that's fine. As soon as they lay down they tend to go very sleepy and droopy, often falling asleep face down or flat out, looking very poorly but actually being just fine. It is their awake behaviour you need to look at, not their dozing. They should look sprightly, peck at things around them, be bright eyed and curious. If you see any lethargy or lack of enthusiasm, a drop of Nurtidrench or some scrambled eggs will give them a boost. It is not at all unusual for them to be very tired out for the first 12 to 24 hours after hatch though, especially if there have been any problems or delays.....as there has been with your second little one.

Watch out for pasty butt when they start eating....this is where their droppings stick to their bum fluff and dry out, causing the vent to become blocked and unable to pass further droppings. it can kill quickly and yet it is so easy to cure.... wash the droppings off with warm water, dry the area thoroughly, add a small drop of olive oil to stop further adhesion and add a teaspoon of ACV to their water drinker. The scrambled egg is good for drying up pasty butt too.

 

[Fancychooklady]

So long as it's shallow they will be ok.

 

[danielle24]

Thank you so much that has been a massive help , there in my shed next to my main hen roosting box and I so want to keep checking on them, I'm in bed now and can't stop thinking are they all right lol bet I will be up at the crack of dawn checking on them.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Be sure to read the link I gave you. It will help you with the temp scale over the next few weeks. Just remember to give them space to get away from the lamp if it get too hot for them.

 

[Jonsgrl]

Congrats

I am going through this same thing right now! Hoping our hatching goes well too!!

 

[danielle24]

It was amazing to watch I can't believe how fast from zipping they hatch can't wait to do my next hatch. Have yours pipped at the wrong end too?