I've got chicks.....OMG!

[Nortonsmom]

I am so new to this I crinkle....I think everything that could go wrong did, low low temps, spikes, opening the bator after lock down, I could go on, but I wont....I came home tonight at the end of day 22 and I have 3 chicks so far out of 20 eggs....I really thought I killed them all...REALLY....they are so tiny and make soooo much noise....I can hear them down the hall as I type LOL. Should I only move them after 2 days to a warm home?? I've messed up so much I dont want to do anything else wrong.....Thanks inadvance!!!
Mel

 

[Rammy]

Are they still in the incubator? If so you can move them to a box or something that gives them room to move around. If you use a heat lamp make sure they can get away from it if they get too hot. Day 22 and only three? Thats too bad that you dont have more but dont give up hope.

I had a dozen in mine and all but one hatched.

Good luck!!

Rammy

 

[goldnchocolate]

Congratulations!!!

If you think that more will be hatching then don't move them yet, it will affect the humidity in the incubator and may hurt the chicks that are still waiting to hatch. Don't forget to post some pics. I have 3 chicks that hatched under a hen last night and 2 bators full that are due next Friday. Can't wait

 

[goldnchocolate]

Here is one of the hatched chicks. She also had several squished chicks

(first time mother) but 3 of them are still alive:

 

[krazycow6]

How many eggs did she have, and is she a buff? My buff missy is setting her first clutch as we speak..EHD 4/22 I hope she doesn't kill any. Good like with your new babies and give me updates this is also my first hatch lol.



Quote:

 

[ilovechickens]

that is so cute!!!

 

[arabianequine]

That is really cute! As far as to take the hatched chicks out well not till they are dry for one....and I don't think you should leave in there past 24-72 hours but wait till dry for sure and then also may want to wait as long as possible so the other eggs can get pipping done....what happens when you open the bator is that the humidity drops so rapidly they can dry out "shrink wrap" some people spray the tops of the eggs with warmer water for an emergency if you have to get in the bator also you can take in a nice steamy bathroom and wait till nice an steamy in there then open and/ or spray tops of eggs with warmer water very lightly to prevent drying them out....but be quick if you must get in there. The chicks don't need food or water till out of the bator about 24-72 hours.

Good luck!

 

[goldnchocolate]

Quote:

Yes, she is a buff but I'm not sure what the chicks will be. I have assorted hens but both roos are EE's. If this is your first "broody hatch" then I'll let you in on a tip. If you are expecting them on the 22nd then check for them the day before

. Both times, that I have used a broody to hatch, it only took 20 days, not 21. After reading up on it I see that it is normal. Can't wait to see pics of your chicks, too!