Newly Hatched Chicks...problems?

[ottspot]

Hi,
I am new to the world of chickens and all. We are in the hatching stage and have had 12 successful hatches. They are doing great. However, we have two little ones that aren't doing the best and I'm not sure what is happening with them. I could use some help figuring it out.
These two came out very weak and they seem to have labored breathing...their necks also seem enlarged? They hatched about 4 hours ago and don't show a whole lot of improvement. Although one of them does pop up now and then and peep away. Please help if you can.
Thank you

 

[Hopefully]

First of all, Congrats on your newly hatched chicks! I am sorry about the 2 weak ones, I'd just try to make them very comfortable. I don't know what's wrong but they may/may not make it. Just try to think positive and post pics if you can

 

[ottspot]

Thank you so much. One of them has joined the rest of the crowd and is holding his own. The other one we have given a seperate spot. It is breathing normally and seems more peaceful, though still very lethargic. Good life lessons can be learned from all of this. We have another one hatched in the incubator and two more possible. I think that will be it. I will be glad to clean out the incubator and enjoy the new life.
We also have some ducklings that we 'adopted' at 3 days old...they are actually 'pullets' I guess now, as they are 3 going on 4 weeks old. They are so cute and great.
Thank you again for your advice and encouragement.

 

[Hopefully]

No problem

I'm glad to hear that your 2 chicks are improving. They have the will to live! It must be very exciting to have all your new 'babies' coming into your life. Ducks are so cute, aren't they?

Hugs,

 

[ottspot]

Yes, they are all so cute. I am so ready for the incubation to be over...I hate to see things struggle. I can't stand not helping!!!

Thank you so very much for your encouragment!

 

[Hopefully]

Hey, can you answer something for me?
Do you know how long it took for them to hatch? And what its like? I have 3 eggs that I'm trying to raise, about 3 days old.. and I'm new to this.

eggs were layed app. 3 days ago is what I meant

 

[ottspot]

It took 21 days to get to hatching...and then about 2 days worth of hatching. It is really amazing. First they start rocking their eggs as they start pecking at them with their little egg tooth. Then they break through the shell (usually the membrane in the shell is still there) and then they break through that. Then you get to see their little beaks.

They usually take a good long break as they adjust to the change in air, and to to rest a bit after their long hard work. Eventually they start twisting their little heads to slice open their shells. They kind of do a can opener thing. Then they push with their feet and shoulders and the pop out...and usually flop upside down. They are really wet looking and have huge looking eyes.

I found they didn't dry in the incubator, even given plenty of time. So, I put them in a warm brooder and they fuzzed up great. Keep me posted on how your incubation goes! We have some Jungle chickens and some Cochin. The Cochin are my favorite with their feathery feet. I hope this helps. Let me know if I didn't answer your question, or if you have any more.