Need A Bit Of Advice On Chicks

[Aaronn94]

Hiya ive recently purchased a incubator so I can hopefully hatch some chicks successfully as there is a lot of action between the hens & cockerels, I would like some information/advice on how to care for them properly, how long the process takes etc

 

[ArtGirl]

Make sure that you give them the medicated chicken food if possible and if one of them isn't doing good give it some electrolytes (save a chick). You can get it at your local feed store for about 50 cents and it works great.
If you are looking for a way to tell if they are boy or girl check the wing and if the feathers closest to the chicks body are uneven its a girl and if it's even it's a male.
Also the eggs you take from the nest to hatch make sure that you us medical gloves or a plastic bag because if you touch the egg most of the time it kills the chick inside or make the chick die shortly after hatching from the germs and oils on your hands.

 

[ChickenBoy2013]

Make sure that you give them the medicated chicken food if possible and if one of them isn't doing good give it some electrolytes (save a chick). You can get it at your local feed store for about 50 cents and it works great.
If you are looking for a way to tell if they are boy or girl check the wing and if the feathers closest to the chicks body are uneven its a girl and if it's even it's a male.
Also the eggs you take from the nest to hatch make sure that you us medical gloves or a plastic bag because if you touch the egg most of the time it kills the chick inside or make the chick die shortly after hatching from the germs and oils on your hands.

I would have to disagree with some of this. I prefer non-medicated feed. It is not only cheaper but is just as effective in keeping chicks healthy as the medicated feed. I have a very healthy flock and I have never (ever) given them electrolytes or medicated feed. I do agree on the way to sex them. If it is a hen, the feathers will not all be even and some will jut out a bit farther. Refer to the included photo for reference. Also, most eggs do NOT die if handled by your hands. I would advise washing your hands before gathering the eggs, though, (even though I rarely do and still have great hatches) to be sure you don't get oil in the pores causing them to close and preventing the chick from getting oxygen while incubating. I hope all goes well and be sure to keep us updated on how everything goes!

 

[Aaronn94]

Thankyou for both bit of advice it has been very helpful and I will keep you all updated on hopefully a successful hatch