We’ve got 13 and half chickens hatched now Lucky. The half is struggling a bit. I know you are best not to help them, but this little one has cracked a fair bit of the shell but the albumen seems to have stuck to its feathers and dried out even though the humidity in the incubator is high. I sprinkled a little bit of water on to it to help moisten and soften it to see if that helps. I’m loathe to try to peel the coating away in case I cause it to bleed (have had that happen in the past)

Would you have any other ideas? I don’t hold out much hope for its survival…it’s been trying to hatch since Monday Night

sounds like you have done what you can. Unfortunately some just don’t make it.

AnneS said:

We’ve got 13 and half chickens hatched now Lucky. The half is struggling a bit. I know you are best not to help them, but this little one has cracked a fair bit of the shell but the albumen seems to have stuck to its feathers and dried out even though the humidity in the incubator is high. I sprinkled a little bit of water on to it to help moisten and soften it to see if that helps. I’m loathe to try to peel the coating away in case I cause it to bleed (have had that happen in the past)

Would you have any other ideas? I don’t hold out much hope for its survival…it’s been trying to hatch since Monday Night

Doesn’t sound good at all….. I’d try and remove the shell, if using water…make sure its been boiled and cooled first.

I only use chooks and ducks as incubators…..sorry no advice other than what I gave.

I’ve mostly only used hens as well. Only used the incubator a couple of times. But as we were down to only 2 laying hens (Rhode Island Reds) and a couple of geriatric Isa Browns so we needed to do something drastic..hence the incubator.

The 2 hens were broody earlier this year but about halfway through changed their minds and left the nests. No obvious reason why. They were away from the others. Hope they don’t do it again this time. At least this time they only have a couple of eggs each. Before they had a quite large clutch.

Will let you know what transpires

Well I’ve got it out of the shell. Only time will tell if its going to survive. It just gave a loud chirp so that is positive

AnneS said:

Well I’ve got it out of the shell. Only time will tell if its going to survive. It just gave a loud chirp so that is positive

Good luck….

Afternoon all.

Here are of the little cuties. The one on the right looking at the camera is the one I helped out of the shell. Still has a bit of shell etc stuck to feathers, but I am going to wait a few days before trying to remove it. With a bit of luck it will remove it itself Doesn’t look to bad considering I didn’t think it would survive 2 days ago!

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/beaver_album/P1010198.jpg

aaawwwww:D

So glad the little chick survived.

AnneS said:

Afternoon all.

Here are of the little cuties. The one on the right looking at the camera is the one I helped out of the shell. Still has a bit of shell etc stuck to feathers, but I am going to wait a few days before trying to remove it. With a bit of luck it will remove it itself Doesn’t look to bad considering I didn’t think it would survive 2 days ago!

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/beaver_album/P1010198.jpg

That’s one pretty darn game moth sitting on the side of the box. Wouldn’t like its chances of surviving if the chicks were a couple of weeks older!

SueBk said:

AnneS said:

Afternoon all.

Here are of the little cuties. The one on the right looking at the camera is the one I helped out of the shell. Still has a bit of shell etc stuck to feathers, but I am going to wait a few days before trying to remove it. With a bit of luck it will remove it itself Doesn’t look to bad considering I didn’t think it would survive 2 days ago!

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/beaver_album/P1010198.jpg

That’s one pretty darn game moth sitting on the side of the box. Wouldn’t like its chances of surviving if the chicks were a couple of weeks older!

I thought exactly the same thing. Will be interesting to see how long it takes them to notice it! LOL

Oh they are so cute. It love to give one a little cuddle :)

Makes me feel all motherie

Awwww they are sooooooo cute! Well done on the survival of the late chick, it looks perky enough! Thanks for sharing.

orchid40 said:

Awwww they are sooooooo cute! Well done on the survival of the late chick, it looks perky enough! Thanks for sharing.

I have a sad tale. 2 of the chicks died. Including the late chick. Couldn’t see anything obvious, but we did have a couple of really cool nights and I am guessing that the others kicked them out from the warmth…cruel little buggers!

Bugger:(

Lucky1 said:

Bugger:(

Exactly!

AnneS said:

orchid40 said:

Awwww they are sooooooo cute! Well done on the survival of the late chick, it looks perky enough! Thanks for sharing.

I have a sad tale. 2 of the chicks died. Including the late chick. Couldn’t see anything obvious, but we did have a couple of really cool nights and I am guessing that the others kicked them out from the warmth…cruel little buggers!

Oh that’s a shame but that’s Mother Nature I guess – survival of the fittest.

Speaking of chickens here are a few of my babies, playing in the bush today:

and