VERY early hatcher: what to do?

[fishforbrains]

I have a batch of Valley quail eggs. They are due to hatch on Thursday night/ Friday. I went to turn off the egg turner today and found a hatched chick. I suppose the supplier (mail order) might have not stored the eggs at a cool enough temp and one collected a week or two before shipping started to develop early? I hastily set up the brooder and the chick is in there, making a lot of noise. Is it going to be ok by itself? It might be several days before any more hatch. Usually they seem to really need to spend a lot of time huddling together.

 

[PixieChick19]

It should be fine by itself for a few days but if it makes you feel better, you can put a small mirror in with it. I did this with a chicken that was by itself for about a week and a half. And I also used to raise Pharaoh Quail so good luck with the little birds brains!

 

[fishforbrains]

Oh, never mind. A couple of other eggs have pipped. He's going to have company quite soon.