June Hatch a Long

[Shellz]

Yes it will help them build up a resistance.  But it's a long time debate if this is good or not.  Some say feed medicated to keep them safe and others say to let nature take it's course.  Personally I don't do medicated and never have had a loss.  Many think that is a risk though.  So it falls into personal beliefs/preferences.  I also don't vaccinate my chicks born here as want to breed healthier strains even if that means losing birds.

Well said! I do medicated feed, but no vaccinations.

 

[jnjmanning]

Ok, need advice. All eggs have hatched but 6 I think. I can hear chicks in them chirping but they have not pipped yet. Should I help or leave them alone and give another day?

If today isnt past day 23, I would give it another day and then pip them.

 

[monita]

Monita, your hatch sounds like it is going great! Congrats to you, JNJ, and everyone else getting chicks! Mine are locked down on day 19. Some rocking, but nothing else yet! I am already hovering like crazy...

thank you. so far I have 3 hatched and a whole bunch of pips. still have the confused lil guy that pipped the wrong end and unzipping slowly but surely the long way around. I have been keeping an eye on him to make sure he is ok and he seems fine so I am gonna let him do his thing. I am guessing I will have a bunch of chirping chicks hatched out by morning tho. there are still a few that haven't pipped but I am not too concerned about them. I am gonna let them go until Monday or Tuesday because when I candled there were a few a little less developed than the others. if they still haven't pipped by Monday or Tuesday I will float test them and see what is going on and make a decision then.

congrats on your lockdown...... keeping my fingers crossed you have lots of chicks hatch real soon. keep us updated on your progress please.

I will post pics of my babies tomorrow for all to see.

 

[sbrown]

Ok thanks. Not close to 23 yet. Actually only at 20 today, they started hatching early. Only 3 left. Discarded 5 that never developed and lost one chick that was probably my fault. About 80% hatch rate though so I can't complain. Had been thinking about putting another batch in but think I need a break kn between! Its time consuming a little even though I enjoy it. Think I want to wait though till these are at least out of the brooder.

 

[Shellz]

Sounds like a good plan, monita!

 

[sharol]

I'm at the end of day 19. No rocking, no cheeping, nothing.

Oh, well.

For 2 1/2 weeks the temp was rock steady at 99+ but not quite 100. Now I can't keep in even. When I got home today (after being gone several hours) it was down to 97. Now it is at 100. Is this a function of something going on with the eggs or is it a problem with the thermostat. I'm pulling my hair out.

To add insult to injury, my BO seems to be going broody. She was in her favorite spot in the corner of the coop this afternoon growling at everyone who came near. I stole her egg and got pecked for my trouble. Tonight she was still in the same spot when I went out to secure the coop. Dang. How long does it take to know if a hen is really broody? I've not had one before -- and me with no rooster. Bummer.

 

[Shellz]

Some eggs in lockdown never rock or make noise. Are these standard chicken eggs?
Hmmm,....wonder if you could put those eggs under that BO? I would like to hear what others might suggest in this situation.

 

[azer]

My 2 shipped eggs made it 2 out of 12 silkies one out 1 to go...

 

[sharol]

Yes, standard eggs from a mixed flock. These are the last fertile eggs from my much loved rooster. One concern is that his latent illness may have affected the viability of the eggs. I guess we will see.

Good idea. They are due in the next couple of days. As I understand it, the hen needs to "work up" to a baby chick by sitting for a while. Anyone have any other opinion on that? A couple of the eggs are actually hers.

Some eggs in lockdown never rock or make noise. Are these standard chicken eggs?
Hmmm,....wonder if you could put those eggs under that BO? I would like to hear what others might suggest in this situation.

 

[misschickenlittle]

I'm at the end of day 19.  No rocking, no cheeping, nothing.

Oh, well.

For 2 1/2 weeks the temp was rock steady at 99+ but not quite 100.  Now I can't keep in even.  When I got home today (after being gone several hours) it was down to 97.  Now it is at 100.  Is this a function of something going on with the eggs or is it a problem with the thermostat.  I'm pulling my hair out.

To add insult to injury, my BO seems to be going broody.  She was in her favorite spot in the corner of the coop this afternoon growling at everyone who came near.  I stole her egg and got pecked for my trouble.  Tonight she was still in the same spot when I went out to secure the coop.  Dang.  How long does it take to know if a hen is really broody?  I've not had one before -- and me with no rooster.  Bummer.

If she hasn't moved even after you took her eggs she is probably broody. You could give her a few of your eggs in the bator tomorrow and see what happens. She won't have to sit long! Or if you don't want her to be broody you'll have to try ways to break her. I have not done that yet because all my hens that went broody were blessings.
Good luck!!!