The 5th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[SoManyHats]

Some hens will take them and others will kill them to protect their chick. Has this hen been broody before?

No, this is her first time.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I had to jump to the end. Congrats everyone on their hatches, and pips, and zips! This is what it's all about, right??? I was sad that none of my Call eggs pipped, but 1, to even give me a chance at getting them out...BUT my one little baby is sooo cute, and I'm grateful to have her. Meet Piper!!


Better pics later!! My official hatch results: 1 Call Duckling

awwwww sorry about the eggs but so cute!!

 

[Cynthia12]

I have one stuck to it's shell by the cord. What do I do?

It will just drag it around, if you feel comfortable enough to grab it out with out the humidity coming down, go for it. Or wait for it to fluff up a bit, then go for it. With it dragging the shell around, it will probably move the other eggs around more.

 

[SoManyHats]

@SoManyHats
  I got really good advice from @chiqita
a few months back when I tried to graft a baby.   If she accepts them and you can get the broody into a small space like a dog crate or a broody box where she can be safely locked in with the babies for a few day you often will get a better result because they can get to know her voice and her commands w/o endangering themselves.  She told me that if they get sometime to get to know her and her voice in a safe environment then it seems to go more smoothly. Chiqita if I am misquoting you please weigh in.

Good Luck! I have very limited experience so far but what I have learned with broodies so far is you just never know.

Thanks. Is a small space important? She is in her own pen with her other baby, but it's not small - 7x5.

 

[chickenlisa]

Why do you think it is a White Marans? If it is because the chick is yellow, it may be a Wheaten. Wheaten Ameraucanas hatch bright yellow/gold.
I'll have to switch to Chrome but I will post a pic.
As a hatchling.....

As an adult.........

Oops then...I'm not sure at all now. I thought a Wheaten Marans would hatch to look sort of similar to a BCM,. This one is all light like your photo...Will see. I think she had White and wheaten...I'll look back to see what she listed as pure breeds. THANKS!

edited: I just checked and she didn't list White Marans as one of the breeds included...so I guess they are Wheaten afterall. Oh well, thanks!

 

[ChickiMomma15]

For th

this is my first hatch. i have 8 chicks total today. i dont think the others are going to hatch, it looks like they are underdeveloped in the shell or something. i think i see movement in there, but im not sure, and they dont look full like the other eggs. ill leave them in the incubator for a little while longer and then i think i will give up on them. anyone else have this happen? ill have to get a photo. 

i have one chick that is quite small and came out sticky and with crooked toes. that makes 2 with crooked toes from this batch. i splinted them both and the larger chick is having no problems walking now, but the little chick now has spraddle leg. im at a loss as to what to do =( he cant stand. i tried keeping them together (searched for solutions online) but that isnt doing anything for him. does anyone have any suggestions?

for the slated leg take an ace bandage and wrap it around the little things legs and that should help

 

[servpolice]

Ok 7/8 babies came from the eggs and heres them fluffed up

 

[ChickiMomma15]

I have a rocker but no pips yet out of my 8 eggs

 

[amyfitz100]

What's wrong with this little guy??? There are two like this...

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Two in the quickly put together brooder. Still haven't found the chicks feeder but a pile on small plate will do for now.

No idea how many pips now as they rolled eggs about before I got back from the store with bedding. One blue and one splash so far and many chirps coming from the incubator. Of 14 started 8pm 3 Saturdays ago 11 made it to lock down. Seems all is on track and likely all that will hatch will be here by morning. Humidity spiked to 76% but have it back down to 59%.

First hatch of the season and looks good. Happy for that as the kids do enjoy watching these Easter weekend surprises coming out of the shells. Our near 2 year old is grinning from ear to ear too. May have to move the brooder as he's a little too interested and obviously a little destructive.