Sorry to have to post this as well, but it's my first batch! As I walked to the dryer this morning, I heard my first "cheep cheeps". I looked closer and saw that at least 3 or 4 have pipped! I have 15 white leghorns from eBay and 2 of my own backyard mysteries in there! Pics to follow as they come in!
OK, here was my chick hatching disaster from last night. I had lots of pips when I got home from work yesterday and two chicks were hatching all the way out. I had not expected them a day early and was unprepared, so we ran to Tractor Supply to get stuff. When I got home, I found that our cat (who hasn't cared about incubating eggs for 3 weeks) has knocked the entire incubator off of the table and onto a chair. It didn't completely open, but all of the moisture was gone and the hatched chicks and eggs were in a pile in the corner of it. I panicked..I moved the drying chicks to the tub I bought and tried to nicely rearrange the eggs in the incubator. They all got sticky. A couple more who were already almost done were able to finish, but the others were glued in. Against BYC advice, I helped them out (making sure they had absorbed everything). I helped three out and left them in the bator overnight to dry. They seemed fine this morning, so I moved them to the tub with the others. At least 3 more have externally pipped and I feel like they are also glued, but I had to leave for work this morning. I guess I'll see what the situation is when I get home. So 11 of 17 are in the brooder.. Everything had gone so right!!! I will never let that happen again. here are the few few out:
OMGoodness! I bet you FREAKED!! As soon as these dumb cats hear noises & chirping they get all dumb about it and try to hunt. I hve to lock mine in the bathroom with a litter box at night if I have any due to hatch. What cuties!!!
I got my first pip, too, about an hour ago! This is my first time incubating...we only set three eggs, and this is our only one that made it this far. I can't wait until my kiddos get home from school so that they can watch! Good luck to you, pip-buddy!
