What care do I give the chicks after hatching?

[Mickey Lou 04]

Hi, I have never incubated and I am wanting to get as much info as possible before trying to hatch some eggs. I have seen quite a bit of incubation advice but what about after hatching? I am wanting to vaccinate (there was a mareks out break in our area) so what would I do? How long after hatching do I leave them in the incubator? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

anybody? It may be a stupid question, but I would really appreciate the help.

 

[Onewiththeducks]

I have not incubated eggs yet, but since the chicks absorb the yolk, they won't have to eat for a day or two. After that, put them in a brooder and call your vet to see if you can get them vaccinated.

 

[bobbi-j]

It's not a stupid question at all. You can leave them in the incubator until they're fluffy. After that put them in a brooder (no, it doesn't have to be in the house as long as it's in a secure, draft-free coop or shed) with a heat lamp. I give mine enough space to get away from the heat if necessary. I don't worry too much about proper temps. I watch the chicks instead. If they're crowded under the light, it's not warm enough and you'll need to lower it a bit. If they're on the edges away from the light, it's too warm. Give them some water and starter feed, and they're good to go. They need bedding in the brooder, of course. I use straw because that's what we have. It works just fine. I can't advise on vaccinating because I have never done so. Hope this helps some. Just remember that chicken-keeping doesn't have to be complicated.

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

Thanks so much, I''ve had chickens for several years but I got my first roo this year. So I might try hatching some crosses from him before I buy some pure bred eggs to hatch.

Also what are the odds of survival of newly hatched chicks that are artificially incubated?

Thank again! I really appreciate your help.

 

[shardean]

I did a lot of incubating last year. I had a good survival rate. occasionally I would find one dead. I think it can happen even when hatched by a hen. This year I had a lot of hens go broody so didn't use the incubator. I had 3 hens hatch 4 chicks each and all lived! They are about 3 months old now. Today I just had 10 chicks hatch out of 11 eggs! Best hatch rate I've ever had! Bator or hen! Time will tell if the all make it! The 10th chicked hatched in the trash can, I'd already thrown the egg away because the hen stopped sitting it!

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

How weird that it hatched out in the trash, I bet that was a surprise. Did you find it in time to save it?

Also what breed do you use for broodys? I have some silkies that I can't brake from being broody. But I don't trust her because she is a pretty aggressive hen, she gets pretty ugly towards other birds. I've been told they are supposed to be the peacemakers not any of my silkies are that way. (sorry, slightly off topic.)