The 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long

[JoyfulPromise]

Phew! Just got through catching up! Jealous of everyone who has chicks hatching already! But sorry for the ones who are having trouble with stuck or weak chicks!

I locked down my eggs this morning after one last turn. Pulled 1 more quitter last night - I expected it, but had left it in till now just hoping... Eggtopsy revealed a VERY tiny embryo, no blood ring. Must have quit a LONG time ago. Oh well.

Candled the others and saw a few of the EEs kicking at me!!!

Hope all the rest are ok, a few don't have as clear veins as the others, but there is definitely a large dark shape in there! Still a bit confused about the weight vs. air cells. In my opinion the air cells don't look quite as large as some of the pics on here, but according to weight they are way over the recommended weight loss!!!

Upped the humidity a bit for now, that wet paper towel trick works great! Kind-of planning on waiting till first pip to really stress on high humidity. But definitely keeping it over 40 for now. Don't know how I will wait another 2-3 days!!!

 

[Happy Chooks]

So You Can Hatch In The TurneR?

I wouldn't. Chicks can get stuck between the rails.

Quote: I will get a picture for you, but I didn't use the strawberry carton. The eggs I was going to put in it quit, so no need to separate them.

Quote: If they haven't pipped internally (meaning you don't see the air sac anymore) there's not much hope of the chick making it. (sorry, being honest) You can make a pip and very carefully try to assist the chick out if you want to try.

I had an egg like this at the end of one of my hatches, never pipped internally. Only I didn't open the egg so gently because I assumed it was a quitter. Poor thing was still alive. I felt horrible.

Quote: I don't have silkies, but I've seen CJ's birds and he's got beautiful birds.

Just curious. When do we find out who the winner of the hatching short story is?

We are judging now. Hopefully later today or tomorrow I can announce the winner.

Quote: Clear as mud. Why would they call them Angora goats when Angora comes from rabbits? That makes no sense.

I knew wool is from sheep.

Got two from the assist.... One did the job herself after I made an external pip for her.... Took her all night to zip. She's got that tilty head back thing. I started giving her sugar water and will buy vitamins later. I couldn't find where the beak was in the Araucana egg...

it passed sometime in the last two hours as I was stupidly waiting to see if it would turn at all.....

The silkie is the last one.... I was able to remove enough shell to find the beak and make an internal pip... Almost no bleeding .... It's in there gasping away right now, but the assist article said that's what happens at this step. All I can do is pray.... So that's what I'll be doing until I see veins disappear ... I have to go to work in 2.5 hrs, but ill be home on my lunch break to check her 4 hrs later.... Praying I can save her.... My two strugglers are still holding on.... Not sure if they will make it.... They look bad....

There is great advise for treating wry neck here:
http://www.bucknrunranch.com/blog/2011/11/12/the-care-and-handling-of-baby-chicks/

OK I'm prepping the bator for lock down but am confused.....normal I know I've had the eggs in a turner but want to lay them flat for hatch. One place I read I should put them in a cut down egg carton, but I'm leaning towards laying flat. Another said I should raise the grate so they're at approximately the same level to keep temp the same. And another place said leave the temp alone and put them flat and they'll be fine. Soooo......which do I do? lol Like I said I want to lay flat if at all possible. Second question. I have a horrible time keeping up humidity. Is it OK to mist the eggs with a spray bottle of luke warm water maybe morning and evening? That seems to be the only way I can keep enough humidity to put any type of condensation on the windows. Also, should I attempt to take both plugs out? I know ventiliation is impotatant especially being a still air, but it also lets humidity out. Should I set up my daughters humidifier by the bator to help?

Do not mist the eggs. You do not want condensation on the windows - that means your humidity is way too high and you risk drowning the chicks. You want your humidity in the 55-65% range. If you have a hard time with humidity wet a sponge and pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds, then put that in the bator.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

today is locked down at noon correct I have been so busy I totally forgot!

you betcha!

Thanks Miss Sally!

LOL stop that! I am so not used to southern politeness! it sounds so silly because I never hear it! even the kids I watch call me MomMom!

OK I'm prepping the bator for lock down but am confused.....normal I know I've had the eggs in a turner but want to lay them flat for hatch. One place I read I should put them in a cut down egg carton, but I'm leaning towards laying flat. Another said I should raise the grate so they're at approximately the same level to keep temp the same. And another place said leave the temp alone and put them flat and they'll be fine. Soooo......which do I do? lol Like I said I want to lay flat if at all possible. Second question. I have a horrible time keeping up humidity. Is it OK to mist the eggs with a spray bottle of luke warm water maybe morning and evening? That seems to be the only way I can keep enough humidity to put any type of condensation on the windows. Also, should I attempt to take both plugs out? I know ventiliation is impotatant especially being a still air, but it also lets humidity out. Should I set up my daughters humidifier by the bator to help?

I will post the lockdown notes again, everyone does it differently, I am one that needs clinical studies and proof something works, plus use my better judgement and what I wrote is how hatcheries hatch their eggs, read why you lay them down with the lower dip in the air cell up. it makes sense. I will quote it again if I can find it on here lol.. give me a minute!

Phew! Just got through catching up! Jealous of everyone who has chicks hatching already! But sorry for the ones who are having trouble with stuck or weak chicks!

I locked down my eggs this morning after one last turn. Pulled 1 more quitter last night - I expected it, but had left it in till now just hoping... Eggtopsy revealed a VERY tiny embryo, no blood ring. Must have quit a LONG time ago. Oh well.

Candled the others and saw a few of the EEs kicking at me!!!

Hope all the rest are ok, a few don't have as clear veins as the others, but there is definitely a large dark shape in there! Still a bit confused about the weight vs. air cells. In my opinion the air cells don't look quite as large as some of the pics on here, but according to weight they are way over the recommended weight loss!!!

Upped the humidity a bit for now, that wet paper towel trick works great! Kind-of planning on waiting till first pip to really stress on high humidity. But definitely keeping it over 40 for now. Don't know how I will wait another 2-3 days!!!

I know!! YAY!!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Day 18! YAY!!


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101


CANDLE EGGS
DAY 18 & LOCKDOWN!​

Candle day 18 is to determine growth, weigh, pencil mark air cell size and dispose bad eggs.
It will look pretty dark and FULL in there! You may or may not see movement on this candle.
Its ok if not, don’t panic! The chick may easily be resting!

See how that air cell is beginning to dip more to one side? This is a natural occurrence to help aid in the hatching process. If you lay the egg down on a flat surface it will roll itself into the correct position for hatching with the greatest part of the air cell up. I now mark the upward side of the egg so I know how it should remain for hatching. This is the best position for hatching so that the chick is able to turn into hatching position. See images below….

Day 18 laying horizontal for actual hatching helps a chick hatch 1-2 hours earlier.
The hatching position, with each egg lying on its side, is commonly accepted as the most conductive to efficient hatching, and the freedom of the egg to shift or roll at least to some slight degree appears to contribute to the ease and facility with which the chicks may fracture the shell by pecking to emerge from.

​

LOCKDOWN!
Stop turning, Remove Turner and Raise Humidity

NOTE: It is now known that the different embryos communicate with each other by a series of clicking sounds,
the rate of clicking being the important feature. Ensuring the eggs on the hatching trays are in contact with each other facilitates
the synchronization of hatching where the eggs are incubated in a modern machine. This assists in reducing the time between when the first and last chicks hatch.


After Day 18 candle you will “LOCK DOWN” your eggs. Lower the temperature about ½ degree and increase the humidity the last three days. STOP turning and the incubator stays closed, unconditionally for the next three days while the chicks hatch! If you continue to turn the egg at this stage, the yolk sac can become twisted potentially preventing absorption of the yolk and starvation or at least weakening of the chick. If you’re having a hard time with humidity it is OK to open quickly to boost, add warm water or increase the size of the pan or add a wet sponge.
NEVER ADJUST HUMIDITY BY cutting back airflow.
VENTILATION is EXTREMELY important at this stage!

Note: It’s not necessary but I like to place a piece of foam grip drawer mat on the wire bottom of incubator on day on day 18 lockdown. A cloth, crinoline, or paper towels could work as well. This protects the navel, the place where the abdomen closes after surrounding the remains of the yolk, from injury. It also makes cleaning the incubator easier. NO the wire on the incubator bottom should not injure or effect your chicks after they hatch. Dollar store baskets are great to keep hatching chicks separated by breed.

​

PREPARE BROODER:
Prepare everything you need for them once they have hatched.
Now is the time to do final checks on brooder, heat lamp and feed.
See bottom of article for links on chick care.

Click on the link below for more Brooder Ideas!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-brooder-designs-pictures



Rocking Egg Video!
Eggs can rock for several days before hatcing, but how exciting it is!
​

Understanding The Hatching Process

Between the 15th and 16th days, the chick orients itself so that its head is near the air cell at the large end of the egg. Not long before the chick is ready to attempt to make its way out of the shell its neck acquires a double bend so that its beak is under its right wing and pointed toward the air cell.
​

21 DAYS is just a baseline for hatching eggs.
Many chicks can take 23 - 25 days!
Some pip internally and fully hatch in hours while others will be 24 hours or more.

Egg movement! Eggs can “Rock n Roll” days before they are due to hatch!

The initiation of hatch occurs partially from the increased carbon dioxide level in the egg. This process causes the embryo to begin twitching it's muscles allowing the inner shell membrane to be punctured by the egg tooth. The chick then begins breathing the air in the air cell. Using its egg tooth, it pecks at the shell thousands of times and after a few hours the chick pips a small hole through the shell and begins to breathe air directly from the outside. After the chick has made a hole in the shell, it stops pipping for 8+ hours sometimes up to 24 hours and rests.
During this time, it is acclimating its lungs.

After the resting stage is completed the second stage of pipping begins. The chick begins to turn slowly inside the egg. As the chick turns counter-clockwise it uses the cutting edge of the chick tooth to chip away. As the chick progresses in its movement around the shell, it begins pushing on the large air cell end of the egg. Squirming and struggling! YES STRUGGLING! The chick works feverishly pushing at the cap. Finally with a shove the chick breaks free from the shell wet and exhausted. When the chick is freed completely from the shell it lies still. Its energy has been virtually exhausted, and it is extremely tired. After resting the chick begins to gain more and more energy and coordination of its muscles.

​

 

[Sally Sunshine]

TOMMORROW Day 18! YAY!!


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101


CANDLE EGGS
DAY 18 & LOCKDOWN!​

Candle day 18 is to determine growth, weigh, pencil mark air cell size and dispose bad eggs.
It will look pretty dark and FULL in there! You may or may not see movement on this candle.
Its ok if not, don’t panic! The chick may easily be resting!

See how that air cell is beginning to dip more to one side? This is a natural occurrence to help aid in the hatching process. If you lay the egg down on a flat surface it will roll itself into the correct position for hatching with the greatest part of the air cell up. I now mark the upward side of the egg so I know how it should remain for hatching. This is the best position for hatching so that the chick is able to turn into hatching position. See images below….

Day 18 laying horizontal for actual hatching helps a chick hatch 1-2 hours earlier.
The hatching position, with each egg lying on its side, is commonly accepted as the most conductive to efficient hatching, and the freedom of the egg to shift or roll at least to some slight degree appears to contribute to the ease and facility with which the chicks may fracture the shell by pecking to emerge from.

​

LOCKDOWN!
Stop turning, Remove Turner and Raise Humidity

NOTE: It is now known that the different embryos communicate with each other by a series of clicking sounds,
the rate of clicking being the important feature. Ensuring the eggs on the hatching trays are in contact with each other facilitates
the synchronization of hatching where the eggs are incubated in a modern machine. This assists in reducing the time between when the first and last chicks hatch.


After Day 18 candle you will “LOCK DOWN” your eggs. Lower the temperature about ½ degree and increase the humidity the last three days. STOP turning and the incubator stays closed, unconditionally for the next three days while the chicks hatch! If you continue to turn the egg at this stage, the yolk sac can become twisted potentially preventing absorption of the yolk and starvation or at least weakening of the chick. If you’re having a hard time with humidity it is OK to open quickly to boost, add warm water or increase the size of the pan or add a wet sponge.
NEVER ADJUST HUMIDITY BY cutting back airflow.
VENTILATION is EXTREMELY important at this stage!

Note: It’s not necessary but I like to place a piece of foam grip drawer mat on the wire bottom of incubator on day on day 18 lockdown. A cloth, crinoline, or paper towels could work as well. This protects the navel, the place where the abdomen closes after surrounding the remains of the yolk, from injury. It also makes cleaning the incubator easier. NO the wire on the incubator bottom should not injure or effect your chicks after they hatch. Dollar store baskets are great to keep hatching chicks separated by breed.

​

PREPARE BROODER:
Prepare everything you need for them once they have hatched.
Now is the time to do final checks on brooder, heat lamp and feed.
See bottom of article for links on chick care.

Click on the link below for more Brooder Ideas!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-brooder-designs-pictures



Rocking Egg Video!
Eggs can rock for several days before hatcing, but how exciting it is!
​

Understanding The Hatching Process

Between the 15th and 16th days, the chick orients itself so that its head is near the air cell at the large end of the egg. Not long before the chick is ready to attempt to make its way out of the shell its neck acquires a double bend so that its beak is under its right wing and pointed toward the air cell.
​

21 DAYS is just a baseline for hatching eggs.
Many chicks can take 23 - 25 days!
Some pip internally and fully hatch in hours while others will be 24 hours or more.

Egg movement! Eggs can “Rock n Roll” days before they are due to hatch!

The initiation of hatch occurs partially from the increased carbon dioxide level in the egg. This process causes the embryo to begin twitching it's muscles allowing the inner shell membrane to be punctured by the egg tooth. The chick then begins breathing the air in the air cell. Using its egg tooth, it pecks at the shell thousands of times and after a few hours the chick pips a small hole through the shell and begins to breathe air directly from the outside. After the chick has made a hole in the shell, it stops pipping for 8+ hours sometimes up to 24 hours and rests.
During this time, it is acclimating its lungs.

After the resting stage is completed the second stage of pipping begins. The chick begins to turn slowly inside the egg. As the chick turns counter-clockwise it uses the cutting edge of the chick tooth to chip away. As the chick progresses in its movement around the shell, it begins pushing on the large air cell end of the egg. Squirming and struggling! YES STRUGGLING! The chick works feverishly pushing at the cap. Finally with a shove the chick breaks free from the shell wet and exhausted. When the chick is freed completely from the shell it lies still. Its energy has been virtually exhausted, and it is extremely tired. After resting the chick begins to gain more and more energy and coordination of its muscles.

​

 

[Happy Chooks]

Today is Lockdown!

Increase your humidity to 55-65% and keep your hands out! It's all up to the birds now!

Clean your house

Sew

Or have a pillow fight

But keep out of the bator!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I need some help deciding on turkey

We will process 3 a year, SOOOOO do I buy all toms or both? can toms grow out together? how long until I can process a turkey? like a broad breasted?

 

[Caitlin_VT]

Another quick question... I had shipped eggs come late, and were set on Wednesday (so, 4 days after the Saturday set date). In my last hatch I had eggs that were set 3 days late (also shipped), I put them into lockdown with the rest. Everything seemed to go well and 5/8 hatched. But, is 4 days early too early for lockdown? It also makes it hard to put them into the hatcher because my other eggs *might* not be done hatching. I have duck eggs in the incubator, so I can't really use that has a hatcher as well. What would you do??

Got lost in the shuffle. Advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[misskeeter]

Look up "wryneck" or "stargazing." The very first chick I ever hatched had it and sad to say she lasted a week and then it was too much for her and she passed away.

Found the info to treat on HERE.. LOL... awesome.. gonna try it today!

did you float test them? she is moving? do you see her beak, I am way behind here!

Float test.. yes she was moving, no internal pip. I opened one that had and it had suffocated, so I tried this one, but couldn't find her beak in time. I did open the silkie on the end, found her beak, and made a tiny cut to free her beak at about 4 this morning. At 6:30, she had started weakly cheeping at me.
The tiny belly buttons on the assists had been icky poking out, thanks to your awesome article, I put bacitracin on them and they were fully in and closed up by 6:30. ... One seems like it will make it just fine, but the other has wry neck. I will go get vitamin E and the other stuff (can't remember what it's called now.. poly something) after I get out of school today. Luckily, I have an Easter Break that starts at noon today, so I will have all weekend to nurse them back to health (hopefully).

update!

see above. also...

The chick in the cup seemed to be doing a little better this morning. I set my alarm and gave it sugar water every hour through the night. The one that is just lying on its tummy doesn't seem any better...

 

[misskeeter]

And now for the happy news about my classroom hatch. They are ON TIME... I've got 1 out. It is hopping around like a frog in there.. never seen that before.. lol...

I've also got NINE pips! Every time I check, there's another one pipping. This seems promising. Pictures coming, as long as the kids stay out for recess long enough for me to take them and upload them.