Its summer here, and the temps and humidity are all over the place. I don't have air conditioning, so my house temp varies a lot. Which is not good for keeping constant temp in some bators. I got home from work one day, and when chicks were ready to hatch, the temp in the bator was too high. I lost all but 2 eggs. So far one pipped, and I had to assist slowly due to malposition. He is the only one so far. He is now 3 days old and he seems healthy and happy except for the fact that he falls asleep so much, he doesnt eat or drink. I did the electrolyte recipe in the article "hatching 101", and fed him some. Then as soon as I could get to the farm supply store, I bought poultry nutri-drench. I have been giving him that a little at a time. The Temp on one side of brooder is 95. There water and chick starter available to him at all times. And i even ground up the chick starter and put some on the paper towel under the light, where he sleeps. I have set him in the ground on the ground up starter and pecked it with my finger, but he doesnt see me do it because hes already falling asleep. I made him eggs. Tried hand feeding. I get a little in his mouth...and he shakes it and falls back asleep. He walks a little bit, then falls asleep. If I pick him up, hes awake for 5 seconds, then falls asleep in your hand. Is he just extra weak from the bad incubation? Or is this normal? Is there anything else I can do to help this little guy? He's my only one so far and I really don't want to lose him. He came from our chickens so I'm pretty attached.
In the meantime, I did go buy a new bator. Something newer and better for my next set, with a turner so I don't have to worry about people doing it for me while I work, or temperature fluctuation.
Thanks so much
In the meantime, I did go buy a new bator. Something newer and better for my next set, with a turner so I don't have to worry about people doing it for me while I work, or temperature fluctuation.
Thanks so much
