July Hatch-a-long

[BY Chicken Lady]

Three babies hatched and drying now. One is huge compared to the otheers and required help. Not sure if that one is going to make it. Poor thing had a few fire ants in its shell too

How did the fire ants get into the shell?

 

[BethRose]

I have 16 eggs set to hatch on the 28th. The rooster is a Dark Brahma and the hens are NHR, a mix, 2 light Brahmas, and a Red Star. I am so excited to see what the babies will look like.

 

[Sonia]

@It had a sizeable pip when I broought it in. I have to take eggs from my broodys as soon as they start hatching or the ants invade and kill the chicks before they can hatch completely.

 

[jellybellyx6]

I have heard there are fire ants around our area but I have not seen them yet. I hope I never do. We are raising some bantams and hoping they will do most of the hatching for us next year but we are also planing on hatching all winter long and building up our 13 flocks.

 

[Sonia]

Fire ants are evil little creatures. At least once a month one of the kids gets on a hill. When you see a kid run screaming for the hose stripping on the way you know its fire ants.

 

[CGinJCMO]

#3 is out and drying.

I put some rubber shelf liner down in the brooder too. I've dipped the beaks of the the first two in the water (filled with marbles) and have seen one drinking. I sprinkled a tiny bit of chick crumble on the floor so we'll see if they feel like pecking at it when they stop sleeping so much.

CG

 

[Gen9]

#3 is out and drying.

I put some rubber shelf liner down in the brooder too. I've dipped the beaks of the the first two in the water (filled with marbles) and have seen one drinking. I sprinkled a tiny bit of chick crumble on the floor so we'll see if they feel like pecking at it when they stop sleeping so much.

CG

 

[Shellz]

Great stuff! I managed to check broody #1's eggs. At day 8 & looks like most are good. Thought I saw 1 clear. Will check in several days or so to get a better look. Are BLRW eggs normally a medium sized egg? Just wondering.

 

[Jeansrie]

My first chick from my first hatch, a blue copper maran! 3 more pips and lots of movement from others. I feel an addiction to hatching eggs coming on!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I haven't posted much on this thread, so thought I'd update. I candled my Silkie eggs last night, and had to pitch 3 porous, clear eggs. But, I still have a dozen going strong. I'd bought a new hygro/thermometer combo and put it in yesterday morning, right on top of my eggs. When I lifted it off to turn and candle I found there was some glue on the back of it. One of my eggs got stuck to the glue then fell when a piece of shell gave way. Luckily it didn't crack when it hit the wire. I threw it in the trash TWICE (thankfully the bag was new) before I put some duct tape over the hole and put it back. I checked it again today thinking surely it would be dead, but there was a little black wiggler inside going crazy when I put the light on it. the poor thing makes it. Its air cell looks kind of wonky, but its not detached or anything. I guess hitting the bottom of the trash can twice will do that to an egg! Poor thing
If all goes well, my eggs should hatch around the 23rd I hope!