Incubation a success . . . now what

[Patty724]

My classroom was successful in having 11, possibly 12 (it's working on it now) chicks out of 24 to hatch on day 21. I know it can take longer for some to hatch, but at what day do I take the ones that are hatched, dried and fluffed out and put under the warming lamp? I am going with the 72 hour window, but wanted to make sure this would be the best for the little ones.

Thanks~

 

[BYCforlife]

You can take them as soon as they are dry. Do you have a brooder set up for them?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

My classroom was successful in having 11, possibly 12 (it's working  on it now) chicks out of 24 to hatch on day 21.  I know it can take longer for some to hatch, but at what day do I take the ones that are hatched, dried and fluffed out and put under the warming lamp?  I am going with the 72 hour window, but wanted to make sure this would be the best for the little ones.

Thanks~

When you are comfortable taking them out, do so. I move mine once they are running around in my bator. Just make sure your humidity in the bator comes back up after you pull them out. Everyone has different practices and philosophies. There is no right answer.

 

[Patty724]

Thanks for the information!! Now, the big question . . . when can my students hold them? I know you don't want them out until they're fluffed and dried, but once they are at that point, may I take them out long enough for a student to hold?

 

[BYCforlife]

You can hold them anytime, but try to limit handling. I would recommend, though, that you don't let too many people touch them for the first 4 days. Also, make sure everyone washes their hands before handling, and if someone in your class has chickens, I would recommend they do not touch them for fear of contamination.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thanks for the information!!  Now, the big question . . . when can my students hold them?  I know you don't want them out until they're fluffed and dried, but once they are at that point, may I take them out long enough for a student to hold?

Yes you can. Just make sure that they aren't out long enough to get chilled.

 

[Patty724]

Thanks again for your help. The kids have enjoyed them more than I dreamed they would. My students have varying disabilities and the chicks have actually become therapy chicks. God works in mysterious ways!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thanks again for your help.  The kids have enjoyed them more than I dreamed they would.  My students have varying disabilities and the chicks have actually become therapy chicks.  God works in mysterious ways!

Chickens are awesome therapy animals.

 

[Patty724]

All our chicks didn't get adopted and now I'm faced with taking 3 of them home (which I am happy to do) and adding them to my already established crew of 4 week old chicks. What's the best way to do this without these babies getting hurt?

Thanks!!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

All our chicks didn't get adopted and now I'm faced with taking 3 of them home (which I am happy to do) and adding them to my already established crew of 4 week old chicks.  What's the best way to do this without these babies getting hurt?

Thanks!!

I have in my brooder right now silkies from my last three hatches this "spring". The oldest are 2@7 weeks, the 2@5 weeks, then 6@ 3 weeks. I had to put a screen up between them for a couple days after I added them, but after that all was well. I have 19 eggs going on lockdown tomorrow. I'll be doing the same, but I plan to sell all that hatches from this hatch and not keep any so hopefully they won't be there more than a week.