mum off nest 2 babies half hatched!

[maymiegirl]

I'm here if you need me. If you can get the temp to at least 94 to 95 degrees it will be perfect. If you don't have a good thermometer, just judge the warmth with your hand and the moisture will come from the damp blanket. A heat lamp will be really good AFTER they make it out of the egg. If they haven't hatched in about 8 hours of quiet, I would very gently and slowly try to help them out. For now, it is too soon because those little veins are not closed off until the chick starts to move around the egg. The peep hole or pip stays like that for a long time before those veins close off. Don't worry; they will hatch if you just keep them warm and reasonably moist. You are doing the right thing by coming here. I have learned so much from these friends.

Let us know how they do!

 

[maymiegirl]

I do think you are right about the mommy. Now she is instinctively staying with the hatched babies and if she goes into the nest, she can't get her babies up there with her. This is why I would place her nest at ground level with her--maybe in a quiet area--and watch to see if she goes in and leads the babies with her.

I'm not sure why you shouldn't bring the nest to her level. This would be what I would try first--as long as the nest would be safe on the ground--Hey, those 5- gal buckets would be a great idea for moving the nest and keeping it contained. I would think as long as she felt safe, she would go right in there. (Just my thoughts on it)

 

[Louise2]

Phew! Used a hammer to get the nesting box off and put it down as gently as i could, mum was straight in there! So cool. What a relief! She was a bit rough getting hatched chicks back where she wanted them, but shes the mum so i guess they will be ok. I have the lamp and heat pad ready but looks a bit dodgy to me. i hope im not going to need it! Thanks so much for your help very appreciated! I will NEVER do this again too stressful, cant believe that i would cry over an egg! And I thought I could just pop a few eggs under my little silkie and that would be that! Thanks again

ps how long before babies need to eat? two hatched yesterday at 12pm she not letting them out from under her. it is raining heavily and blowing a gail!