Serama Chicks

[tamichels]

Hi, I am very new to chickens. I have a pair of Serama hens that I keep inside. One has been laying for a couple of months. The other is just old enough to start laying. The older of the two became broody bit had no eggs at the time because I pulled them. I decided to buy some eggs, and so I purchased five and have let the hens sit on them from Wednesday night, December 23rd. So, today is the 21st day. I tried to tell if any were fertile at about the 12-13 day mark, and I could tell that 2 were not, but even though I couldn’t see much (even with a flashlight), 3 of the eggs seemed heavier. I started wondering 2 days ago whether I was wrong because I was told they should pip around 18-19 days, but I left them alone. This morning when the hens popped out quickly to eat I checked again. I was shocked to hear chirping coming from inside three of the eggs! One very loud, and two much softer. I raise birds (Bourke’s Parakeets and Society Finches), but they don’t make noise while in the shell! This has me worried that for some reason they might be unable to get out....? There are no holes or signs of the chicks starting to hatch. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, or if there is a problem I need to assist with? Also, I have chick food at the ready, but is there any advice anyone can give to help me make sure these youngsters survive? Again, I have an indoor setup (I will add some pics. I am a little concerned that the ramp from where the hens roost to the floor of the coop (the hens never use it) might be too steep for the chicks to go up and down, and I’m also worried about the ledge the ramp comes down from. I down want the chicks to fall off. The hens jump down, but the chicks will be tiny. Also, will the chicks be able to jump up high enough to get in the dust bath (covered litter box) or do I need to create a step or ramp of some sort? I know I sound like a total rookie, so forgive me! Thanks for any help/advice you can provide!

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

I do not know much about hatching but it sound like they are really strong chicks and they should be fine. @aart am I right??

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Are they normal eggs or seramas eggs? Usually chickens pip on day 21 unless the temperature is higher than it should be

 

[RebekahTN]

Being able to hear them without a pip/crack in the egg is totally normal for chicken eggs. You should have babies within a day or so. They don't really need a dirt bath at this point, but if the mommy wants them to have one, she will carry them in there under her wing. The ramp does not look to steep for me. The hen may stay at floor level for a little bit with them or maybe decide to carry them with her wherever she wants them to be.
I can't see your water system very well, just make sure bowl has rocks in it or very shallow if useing one OR that the rim around the waterer is a chick one (smaller than normal) OR if you are using poultry nipples the mommy will teach them quickly but you may need to add one at a lower level. I prefer the nipples, no mess and water stays much fresher.

 

[RebekahTN]

Can I ask where you got your eggs? I am interested in expanding my bloodlines for my seramas and it looks like I will need to order eggs online. It seems the seramas in the area aren't true seramas.... I mean the stance and feathers are correct but all I have went to look at, while small, are WAY bigger than a coke can.