Incubator Too Short for Peachick - Help!

[Peahen19]

Help!

My single abandoned Peachick just hatched today (Wednesday) at 8:20 AM PST. I used the Hatch Mate by Backyard Farms and it seems too short for the Peachick to stand up all the way. Is that ok? And, if not, when can I safely move him/her to the heat lamp container?


Most posts say to leave the chick in for 12-24 hours until dry, but I am worried the Peachick cannot stand. His legs are knock-kneed and his head is almost hitting the ceiling of the incubator. I also do not have other eggs to worry about losing humidity, etc. when opening the incubator.

Thank you to anyone who responds!

 

[Fishsticks06]

You might have to cuddle him to keep him warm for a while, do you have hand warmers? I’ve heard chicks can use those too. I hope this helped and good luck!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Move the chick when you are ready.They usually dry within an hour or so. Is it fluffy yet, you mostly don't want to take out a wet chick and have the cold air chill it. I usually wait until they are moving around a bit... so they can move in or out of the heat lamp as needed. If they can't move away or towards correct temp, then it's a little risky and ya just gotta watch for excessive panting or loud cold peeping and help it move if needed.



ETA: I have used hand warmers for traveling with chicks. They get VERY hot, so always be careful when using or suggesting them.

 

[AquaDuck]

You can lower the humidity to speed up the drying of his feathers. As soon as he's fairly dry and moving around you can put him under the heat lamp and see what happens. If he's chirping loudly and uncomfortable, then move him back in the incubator for another hour. If he's alone he's gonna be pretty noisy anyway though. Do you have any friends for him?

 

[Peahen19]

Wow! Thank you all!

He has been VERY active since hatching but he cannot stand up all the way because of the height of the incubator - even though he is trying. He keeps falling backwards and sits down. His feathers are starting to fluff and he is spreading his wings! But he is still quite damp.

Can I be doing harm by leaving him in longer to dry? I am going to try to wait a little longer.

How long to warm the heat lamp before transfer?

My first! He has huge legs!

Thank you, again!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How long to warm the heat lamp before transfer?

How'd it go?