Our first chick just hatched!!

[aeg1001]

Our first chick just hatched and i don't know if i did everything right. i know once i comes out i am suppose to leave it in there for awhile but it was running all over the place and messing with the other eggs, so i took it out and put it in a brooder. it is still active, but how long till they eat or drink??

 

[Cynthia12]

I'm new here...but it sounds like you did everything just right.. they flop around a lot at first until they get those rubbery legs straightened out...it's fun to watch them fluff up. They won't need to eat for a few days, or drink...
Not sure how many eggs you have left to hatch, but don't worry if they take a while at first, and then, if they knock the other eggs around
the sound of their peeping helps the others to wake up and start to get to work. I usually let them catch their breath a bit, then put them in the brooder when you see that they are getting stronger.
Have fun, and good luck!
Cynthia

 

[aeg1001]

well i hope i did it right. My DH thinks he knows everything and put them all in the incubator the wrong way. so i am surprised we had one hatch. another one started to hatch but its pip hole was right in the middle and it never made it. maybe i will try and step in next time. i hate it that it didnt make it bc it was full grown and ready to come out.

 

[Cynthia12]

Sounds like you may need more moisture..I put a sponge in when they start hatching to make the shell softer...humidity helps.
Cynthia

 

[aeg1001]

ok i put a sponge in there but i don't know if any of the other ones are going to hatch. We will just have to wait and see

 

[aeg1001]

so how long will it take for the chick to not be so lathargic?? i don't expect it to jump up and be a normal active chick, but can anyone give me some kind of time line so i don't worry...... It was really active at first.

 

[Cynthia12]

So what's up? How is you little one doing? Anymore? Cynthia

 

[Tara Rose]

We moved this hen from the hen house to the garage just in time for the new arrival. Gold Laced Cochin and her first born