Quail newbie looking for feedback

[RunningRabbit]

I'll have to try that with my serama eggs. Thanks for the advice Ferdinand

So I went ahead and float tested my button eggs. Only one sunk to the bottom, and it was one that was almost perfectly round, so I doubt there was ever anything in it. The rest floated, but did not float high. Only a small bit of the egg was actually above the water. That's good right? It might have been my imagination, but I think I saw some wiggling with a few of the eggs.

 

[RunningRabbit]

Lockdown tonight for my buttons!

I float tested them one more time, since my 6 year old niece was super curious about how I knew there was a chick in the eggs. I am happy to say, there were quite a few eggs that were dancing all around the water. She thought it was "the most awesomest thing ever!" to be able to see that. Am happy to know that she learned quite a bit about eggs and the incubation process. I'm hoping she sees the final stage and the chicks make an appearance. I've certainly been horribly impatient to meet them as well. My brooder is all set up and just waiting for the chicks. My birthday is October 27th, and am really looking forward to this particular present.

C'mon babies! Don't keep me waiting any longer than necessary!

 

[GrandmaBird]

should hatch Friday or Saturday then, nice birthday gift!

Happy Birthday!

 

[RunningRabbit]

I got one egg that has a pip in it! There's another one that rocks every so often and both are peeping. The peeps are so ridiculously cute! Come on babies! I've waited so long to finally see you, don't give up with pipping those eggs!

 

[RunningRabbit]

I HAVE A CHICK!

OMG it is so tiny! I can't believe how fast this booger broke out of it's shell. Especially considering the egg it came out of wasn't even visibly pipped.

Glad I took the warning of putting marbles in the water dishes. This chick was bouncing around all over the place, and thought the water dish was apparently awesome, since it kept ending up in it. I kept it in the incubator for a couple hours, then sent it to the brooder. I was worried it was going to hurt itself with all the crazy jumping.

Ahaha...Loco. That's what I'll call it. It's also a very vocal chick. My goodness, I can't believe something so small can be so loud!

 

[Eburger]

Congrats on your first chick!! I have put a small stuffed animal (actually a Ty beanie duck) in with the babies to snuggle up to. Seems like the Ty duckie holds some heat. It is cute to see them all snuggled up to it. I used it for the baby call ducks that I hatched, too. Also, a brick inside a sock will hold some heat from the heat lamp.

Keep us posted.

KB

 

[RunningRabbit]

Wow! Six other eggs have pipped!

I have an old Ty ducky stashed somewhere in my house. I'll put it in there for my chick. Once everyone gets out and dried off, I'll post some pictures. The little booger is already picking at the feed in the brooder. Active little guy.

 

[GrandmaBird]

Sweet! the chicks should be eating and drinking within an hour or two at the most. be sure to place food on the floor of the brooder for them until they find the dish. Congrats!

 

[RunningRabbit]

I have 5 active voracious little button quail now. All very fluffy and cute!

One isn't doing so well. The poor thing got partially shrink wrapped when hatching and is very weak. One of the other chicks tried to eat its wings. Don't really know what to do with it

It's active, but gimpy. Drinks water, and tries to eat the food. But its a touch and go situation with that one. I had to separate it and put it back into the bator after the other chick tried to eat its wings. I think the chick thought it found a bug or worm and couldn't resist trying to eat it.

I expected there to be an issue with chick number 6, since I had to leave my husband in charge of my incubator while I had to go out. Needless to say, he didn't do a very good job. The temp hit 104 and the humidity dropped to 45%. 5 out of 12 isn't so bad, I guess. Especially considering it was my first time incubating.

 

[GrandmaBird]

Good job and don't give up on the last few as yet give them a day or two. as for the little one who is not doing so good just try to keep him in part of the brooder with a feather duster of stuffed toy for a day or so. if he can see the others and hear them there should not be a problem reintroducing him to the flock in a day or so. Good luck and fingers crossed for the little guy.