Simulated Natural Nest Incubation~Experiment #1 So it begins....

[heartsizedfarm]

Touch?

 

[Beekissed]

Whew!!!! Great! Thought I was going to have to do my youngest cull...

 

[JoyfulPromise]

Yep, definitely normal. Newly hatched chickies will be VERY floppy and wobbly for maybe up to 12 hrs after hatch. The chicks you get in the mail or at TSC are at least 3 days old, so MUCH more active and stronger, and you usually don't see the chicks under a broody until they are peeking out after they dry off, so 12-24 hrs old. Just give that baby time - hatching is hard work!

CONGRATULATIONS on your first heating pad hatched chick BTW!!!!

I have been following your thread closely with great anticipation - I am glad it finally worked out for you! Sending prayers that the other two eggs hatch safely!

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote: Tomtommom--did yours peep and then quit without pipping or zipping--that happened to a few here and there in my years of hatching--it puzzles me. When I first started I'm pretty sure I drowned a few with too high humidity.

 

[AmericanMom]

Okay, folks...another learning moment for me. I've only ever seen chicks hatched by a broody or that came in the mail or from a TSC, so bear with me....I've only ever seen them after they have been hatched for some time, are dry and fully functioning, ready for action. This chick is dry but seems very tired and does not stand up yet...normal? Cheeps, open the eyes a little but seems sleepy and hasn't tried to stand flat on its feet yet or push up with its legs. Legs are not splayed but remain curled up under him with toes curled, which leaves this chick flat on his chest and face. Nudging him results in some flapping, cheeping and flopping around but no standing...normal?

Every time I hatch in the bator I see this and I always...ALWAYS worry something is wrong...Best thing to do for me is to turn off the light, go to bed and leave it in Gods hands.. 99.9% of the time I get up the next morning and its running around the incubator like it owns it..

 

[aart]

Quote: Ditto...leave it covered up so it stays good and warm.

 

[Beekissed]

Every time I hatch in the bator I see this and I always...ALWAYS worry something is wrong...Best thing to do for me is to turn off the light, go to bed and leave it in Gods hands.. 99.9% of the time I get up the next morning and its running around the incubator like it owns it..

Wonderful! That I can do...he is currently tucked under the heating pad, safe and warm. Got a slight arch under it to allow for fresh air flow.

Ditto...leave it covered up so it stays good and warm.

 

[Beekissed]

Have a feeling this one is a male...just looks like a male chick to me.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

LOL Bee--I so love your clucking with the hatching chicks, I have a dozen due in 13 days, I'm gonna try it!

 

[Beekissed]

It's kinda fun!

The other eggs have not pipped, the chick is now dry and getting stronger but still tired. He is down for the night under the warmth of the heating pad and tomorrow I'll get him out a little for some exercise and leg strengthening. He's got some pretty coloring and is a clean legged bird, which makes me glad for him...those feathered feet are a liability.