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Post by oldchuck on Jan 31, 2010 12:58:35 GMT 8
two of my hens went broody and were sat on eggs so i figured i would just leave them to it and see what happens- well the two that are due to hatch today and tomorrow have started to pip and one is starting to break through the shell- i am so excited!!!the only thing is i never expected them to hatch and i have no i ???dea what to do when they do - what do i feed them ,do i just leave mum to it ? HELP!!!! All advice greatfully recieved!!!
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Post by ikbokchook on Jan 31, 2010 13:39:57 GMT 8
Congrats! How exciting! You can just leave mum to it, but I'd seperate her from other birds if you can (after they've hatched - leave her while they're hatching!). Also the little chickies will need to eat chick starter for the first about 6-7 weeks, you can get that from any stockfeeder. Good luck with the little one's - I'm sure others will add some tips that I've missed - and we will be needing photos!
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Post by lakelands on Jan 31, 2010 14:25:35 GMT 8
congrats 1st hatchings are so exciting ....mmmm actually every hatching thereafer is also just as exciting as the first one LOL
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Post by fluffychook on Jan 31, 2010 17:46:39 GMT 8
Just make sure the water container will not allow the chicks to drown. Otherwise chick starter and mummy hen and leave her to it.
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Post by oldchuck on Feb 3, 2010 21:47:44 GMT 8
all has come to a stand still - no noises and no breaks in the eggs? how long should i wait until i remove the eggs one has been there since the 12th Jan and the other the 14th jan??? there is def something in there i had a go at candling them and there was a shape but my tourch was not too bright ? if i remove the eggs will she just stop being broody???
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Post by Duck Diva on Feb 4, 2010 6:57:47 GMT 8
Hi Oldchuck, what happened with the ones that had pipped? Did they stop and die? She wont stop being broody by removing the eggs. But you would want to make really sure that the eggs havent got babies growing in them. I recently had a bunch of chicks hatch over nearly 2 weeks because the hen was stealing other eggs from nest box opposite!! lol I had to take each chick off her once it was fluffy and put it in a brooder so she would stay sitting on the others. I think you need to have a really good look at the eggs with a proper light before you ditch any. I use a lamp and I have a small box with an egg shaped hole cut out one end and open the other end. I put the open end over the lightbulb on the lamp so the light shines through the egg sized hole. Then I place the egg over the hole and voila! I can see inside the egg really well. Just make sure the hole is a bit smaller that average egg size otherwise it wont sit on the hole nicely so you can turn it around. I also try to have the room as dark as possible. It doesnt have to be like night time, but the darker the better. Hope this helps Wendy
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Post by annieyokie on Feb 4, 2010 11:00:34 GMT 8
I agree with Wendy Iv just had some eggs hatch over a week.some still hatching .Hen took some from other hens but on very hot days she was getting off them ,I think that set them back.Give them some time .
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Post by oldchuck on Feb 5, 2010 20:06:30 GMT 8
Its all systems go again ;D - there is quite a big hole in one egg and i can hear the chick cheeping!! when that hatches will she still sit on the other ? If the first one is anything to go by its going to be a couple of days yet? I am beyond excited!! my family think i am potty!!! Thank you all for the advice - another thing will mum be ok eating chick starter? she has got a bit thin -she has only been eating when i lift her off the eggs -whats the best way to fatten her up without harming the chicks??when i lift her off to eat how long can the chick be without her keeping it warm? thank you all again!!sory for so many questions
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Post by Duck Diva on Feb 5, 2010 20:59:32 GMT 8
I put a handful of chick crumbles in front of mum and one of the tiny chick waterers as well so she will stay on the nest longer if needed and she can eat and drink without leaving the eggs that are still to hatch.Its because the older chicks get restless and hungry and this way, she can show them the food and water and not leave the other slowcoach eggs to do it. Cheers, Wendy chick starter is good but also give her some canned cat food. it will help give her some much needed calories probably not chicken flavour though...... lol
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Post by oldchuck on Feb 5, 2010 23:15:46 GMT 8
i could not resist and went for a quick peep and its hatched !!!! I cant believe it!! hope its ok overnight!!! mum seems to have it all under control. IMG]http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae116/oldchuck/rooster/P1030051.jpg[/IMG]
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Post by pianochook on Feb 5, 2010 23:39:37 GMT 8
congratulations!!!! I'm sure mum will be wonderful with your beautiful baby. Fingers crossed for more to come I can only imagine how exciting it must be, my family already thought I'd gone bonkers when I was about to go and BUY chicks, how must it be to have them hatch in your own home??!!
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Post by fluffychook on Feb 6, 2010 8:39:13 GMT 8
It is ok Debbie, we know you are not potty....lol Your lil' one is gorgeous.
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Post by Duck Diva on Feb 6, 2010 9:07:05 GMT 8
Woohoo! lovely baby! Hope its not too long before it has a friend
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Post by annieyokie on Feb 6, 2010 10:32:24 GMT 8
Well done ,Keep us updated
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Post by ikbokchook on Feb 6, 2010 11:04:30 GMT 8
Hooray! Congrats! Hope you are overrun with little chickies real soon!
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