- Thread starter
- #11
- Oct 6, 2014
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Thanks, y'all!
We've learned a lot in 24 hrs. We now have 11 chicks, with one more that has nearly broken free, but is still inside a half-zippered open shell. There are a couple others that have pipped, too...
The incubator took a LOT of getting used to, and I think the temps/humidity fluctuated pretty wildly. We set 41 eggs and I didn't think we'd get a one. We were thrilled to have this many come right around day 22. I think this is day 23, so we are probably nearing all that will hatch. A rate of about 25% for our first try is a bit disappointing, but better than it could have been! We've already talked about the things we'll fix next time. We're now trying to be patient as we near 24 hrs with the one still struggling to get out. Thanks to BYC for all the great guidance on what to do (and what NOT to do). I'll keep you posted on that one (and maybe a few more).
For now, we have almost all of the chicks in a brooder and they seem to be doing great. We have a gallon water'er, but pretty soon realized it's a bit too big for these little ones. I used peanut butter lids (with marbles in them) to provide some water, and they seem to like that. We have a long "food trough" but we also set out a couple more lids with food. They alternate eating it and sitting in them!
I'll put up some pics as soon as I can. We were up pretty late last night on "baby watch" with the new chicks. Our younger daughter was thrilled to get to see two come out of their shells for the first time! Such a miracle--awesome to see in person.
Thanks for all the encouragement! You all are the best.
Take care,
Mike
We've learned a lot in 24 hrs. We now have 11 chicks, with one more that has nearly broken free, but is still inside a half-zippered open shell. There are a couple others that have pipped, too...
The incubator took a LOT of getting used to, and I think the temps/humidity fluctuated pretty wildly. We set 41 eggs and I didn't think we'd get a one. We were thrilled to have this many come right around day 22. I think this is day 23, so we are probably nearing all that will hatch. A rate of about 25% for our first try is a bit disappointing, but better than it could have been! We've already talked about the things we'll fix next time. We're now trying to be patient as we near 24 hrs with the one still struggling to get out. Thanks to BYC for all the great guidance on what to do (and what NOT to do). I'll keep you posted on that one (and maybe a few more).
For now, we have almost all of the chicks in a brooder and they seem to be doing great. We have a gallon water'er, but pretty soon realized it's a bit too big for these little ones. I used peanut butter lids (with marbles in them) to provide some water, and they seem to like that. We have a long "food trough" but we also set out a couple more lids with food. They alternate eating it and sitting in them!
I'll put up some pics as soon as I can. We were up pretty late last night on "baby watch" with the new chicks. Our younger daughter was thrilled to get to see two come out of their shells for the first time! Such a miracle--awesome to see in person.
Thanks for all the encouragement! You all are the best.
Take care,
Mike
