Little giant incubator question? Moving chicks out of incubator early?

[Mammabuckbuck]

I bought a little Giant incubator with fan.....and set my hatch 21 days ago.....My little peepers started coming out of the eggs yesterday....I haven't been leaving them in the incubator for the 24 hours recommended because one shoved his beak in the fan and the other almost hung himself on some wires that drooped a bit......Once they are dry enough but still look matted I transfer them over to a preheated brooder box. My questions are - Has anyone had chicks bang their heads and beaks in the fan?
- Any Ideas on what to do with the fan to prevent this?
- How long before i start feeding them and do i have to show them how?
- I have some chicks that poked a hole yesterday but haven't done anything since are they okay?

I am use to chicks from a breeder and have never hatch my own before....I am a nervous as a new mom....I would appreciate any help i can get...Thanks in advance

 

[TarHeelBlue]

I have the same thing, but not that problem- at least not yet. I am using my LG for a hatcher which means I could have the same problem. I did move some of mine out early - like you said, as soon as they were dry and they went into the brooder where the temp was the same as the hatcher, if not a degree or two warmer and they did fine. ONly problem with moving them out is that you have to just barely lift the side of the LG lid and grab them out so you do not disturb your humidity and temp.

 

[Mammabuckbuck]

That's what i have been doing...a quick removal...lucky for me when they hear me or see me they head right for me.....its very heartwarming....

 

[Cold Canadian]

Does the fan not have a protective cover over it ? a screen cloth or something similiar that would kep any beaks from making contact with the fan blade ? I have a little Giant as well and I put in my own fan , with a screen cloth cover over the blade area .Myself I wait till the chicks are dry ,normally there are a few in at the same time , and then I move them to a brooder .........................good luck

 

[Mammabuckbuck]

There is no screen at all over the fan...I didn't think the chicks could reach it.....I will get my hubby to install a screen before the next hatch and tape up the dangling wires.....

 

[Mammabuckbuck]

oh and thanks

 

[MjChickens]

the wires should run through the plastic covering for the thermostat. And as far as the fan goes I have never had the chicks be able to reach the fan. But if I remember correctly there used to be a cover over the fan.

 

[Mammabuckbuck]

I guess i have some work to do on my incubator before second hatch.....do you think buying an expansion ring for my incubator would be a good idea

 

[Mammabuckbuck]

Hatch is going great.....16 baby orpringtons and 2 little brahmas so far.....8 eggs to go....I am thrilled that all is going so well

 

[jvls1942]

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