Removing chicks

[KasandraPeck]

It’s hatch day starting yesterday eggs were put in October 19th. There are a few unhatched eggs but it is so crowded that some chicks are being pressed as in the photo. Normally I’d wait 72 hours from first hatch. But this batch is more than I’ve done previously and I’m worried about trampling each other. Should I just start taking them out now? It’s only been 24 hours since first hatch. There are about 50 eggs in each layer, 2 layers.

 

[TheChickenFanatic]

You can take them out, just be very, very quick about it. Go ahead and get a basket to put the chicks in to transport them. Quickly get them out. Don't open it again until the others have hatched. Make sure to keep a close eye on the unhatched eggs as they can dry out and get shrink wrapped. If the membrane starts looking dry, get a cup of warm water, dip your finger in it, and carefully drop water on the membrane (don't drown the chick!).

 

[Debbie292d]

What I've done when I had to sneak a rambunctious one or a few out of there was get hubby to help me.

First, raise the humidity higher than the 65-70% it's at. I shoot for 90% but usually 80-85 is the best I can get.

We work very fast. He opens the side that the chick(s) are on just a crack wide enough for me to get my hand in, then I sneak my hand through and get one and out, he's got the lid back down fast. Give it a minute, and repeat. That'll drop the humidity down by about 20% but it didn't matter. I then work to stabilize the humidity back to 70%.