Too Early for Feb Hatch-A-Long Thread??

[FortCluck]

I also think shrink wrapping is most likely more complicated than it's often made out to be.

I've seen a lot of what I wouldn't actually consider shrink wrap being called shrink wrap as well. I personally only consider it truly shrink wrapped when the thick outer membrane shrinks around a chick, they really can't turn when that happens! I've seen a lot of chicks turn just fine when the inner membrane is a little dry (that membrane isn't nearly as tough even when dry).

The two worst cases of shrink wrap I've experienced happened when I hadn't opened the incubator during the hatch. The chicks made a very large external pip both times and the forced air fan was blowing close to or directly on them.



Wow that almost looks like an intestine! I would have though it was if I saw that! So glad to hear the little one was just fine.

I always snip the cord if it's still stuck as well, don't want the little ones pulling on their naval too much by dragging the shell around.

Yeah I think a lot of people don't understand shrink-wrapping.

When my chicks hatch usually the membrane is dryish and white, but mine always have an easy time going through. I've never had a chick that can't get through the membrane when it's like that.

Maybe my dry hatching method completely prevents shrink wrapping because there's not enough moisture to even shrink wrap them.

 

[BlueBaby]

Yeah I think a lot of people don't understand shrink-wrapping.

When my chicks hatch usually the membrane is dryish and white, but mine always have an easy time going through. I've never had a chick that can't get through the membrane when it's like that.

Maybe my dry hatching method completely prevents shrink wrapping because there's not enough moisture to even shrink wrap them.

You know, speaking about adding water to raise the humidity, I have never heard of a sitting broody hen adding water when she hatches her chick's naturally.

 

[Kat MacK]

I think it also depends on the breed. I'm finding my ODs seem to always have a hard time getting through their membranes even though other breeds in the same hatch make it out fine. The membranes feel tougher to me when we've done assisted hatching with the ODs.

 

[BlueBaby]

My 2 dozen shipped hatching egg's are supposed to arrive on Friday, so I will be putting them in my incubator after the air cell's settle a bit. I will possibly add some extra egg's from my own flock of Naked Neck's in there with them.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Thanks for the info and moral support! I am so glad I researched dry hatching before my first hatch (this one) because the Marans air cells would not have been nearly big enough had I run at much higher than 30%. Now I know I can aim closer to 60% at lockdown instead of 70% which quickly became 75% as they started hatching. Baby #1 has been out since this morning and is just now starting to look dry-ish. The lights are off and all 6 that have hatched are quiet. Only 1 pip in there right now (an F2 Olive egger). Curious what I’ll wake up to.

The Marans that hatched with the membrane cord thingy still attached was supposed to be Wheaten or Blue Wheaten...anyone know what down color Blue Wheaten babies have? Because it’s obviously not Wheaten. Looks similar to the Birchen Marans that hatched...picture is of its poor belly button after I snipped the cord.

 

[The Christian chicken Man]

Currently trying to get my temp and humidity right and all my thermometers and hygrometers are way different. Sigh.

Hi, have You calibrated them?

 

[LynnaePB]

When I used to have more breeds I always noticed the difference in how well my silkie crosses hatched compared to my pure silkies. I think there is really something to be said for hybrid vigor as well.

I think it also depends on the breed. I'm finding my ODs seem to always have a hard time getting through their membranes even though other breeds in the same hatch make it out fine. The membranes feel tougher to me when we've done assisted hatching with the ODs.

That makes a lot of sense!

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Thanks for the info and moral support! I am so glad I researched dry hatching before my first hatch (this one) because the Marans air cells would not have been nearly big enough had I run at much higher than 30%. Now I know I can aim closer to 60% at lockdown instead of 70% which quickly became 75% as they started hatching. Baby #1 has been out since this morning and is just now starting to look dry-ish. The lights are off and all 6 that have hatched are quiet. Only 1 pip in there right now (an F2 Olive egger). Curious what I’ll wake up to.

The Marans that hatched with the membrane cord thingy still attached was supposed to be Wheaten or Blue Wheaten...anyone know what down color Blue Wheaten babies have? Because it’s obviously not Wheaten. Looks similar to the Birchen Marans that hatched...picture is of its poor belly button after I snipped the cord. View attachment 2019493

Aww little cutie, that naval looks like it won't have any problems healing up to me.

 

[BlueBaby]

@BluebirdHomestead 6 egg's of that 2 dozen shipped egg's that I'm getting will be the Black Copper Maran's.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Hi, have You calibrated them?

Yes I figured out how to do that before I started the hatch.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

@BluebirdHomestead 6 egg's of that 2 dozen shipped egg's that I'm getting will be the Black Copper Maran's.

Nice! I adore Marans. What else are you hatching? I’m already plotting what to put in next.