Premature Chicks?

[BlueMoon]

When my DH was away, March 5-10, so I do know the dates, I "left" a few eggs under broody hens, relocated a few more into their nests and eventually moved the lot into safe harbor (the garage).

Well, on Saturday, March 22, I noticed an egg half open with a dead chick. When pulling it out of the nest, four tiny chicks popped their heads out.

So, its Easter Sunday, the chicks aren't supposed to start hatching until Wednesday the 26th, and we're up to about eight chicks.

Maybe because they're penned next to the six week old chicks, but these looks so teeny. They seem healthy enough - the hens are showing them what to do, whilst sitting on more eggs.

Has anyone else ever had chicks that hatched too early?

 

[Josie]

Wow! That is really early, I'm glad they are all doing fine. The earliest I have heard is day 19 hatch.

 

[twigg]

There is something wrong with the dates.

It isn't possible for live chicks to hatch in less than about 19 days, even then they would be very weak.

 

[ebonykawai]

I was thinking the dates are off, too.

 

[K&H Chicken Farm]

I just had 18 day hatch. One is week but it looks like they may make it.

 

[MissPrissy]

High bator temps will give you an 18 day hatch which isn't really good because it hurries the development along a bit too quick. I hope your weak one pulls on through.

 

[ebonykawai]

What were your temps?

 

[Kristina]

from what I understand these eggs were under a broody.

 

[ebonykawai]

Yes, that's why it doesn't make sense. Nature (not humans intervening with incubators) generally doesn't work that way.

 

[MissPrissy]

K&H Chicken Farm :

I just had 18 day hatch. One is week but it looks like they may make it.

My response was to K&H.​