[symonep]

We have a chick, after all it has been through it has just popped out the shell! It has settled down now to dry out and fluff up.
It looks knackered! It still makes me wonder how somethng so big can come out of a shell so small! Will post some pics later

Quick question, do I need the bedding on the bottom or does the chick just need a stable floor surface?

[ANHBUC]

Well deserved "Congratulations".   

You can put kitchen roll in which will be easy to change when the little poop machine starts.  Bedding can be used but the chick might eat it with not having a broody to show it what it what.  Looking forward to seeing the little fluffy bundle.  What are you going to name it, Lucky, Miracle or Precious?

[Jo57]

phew That was a roller-coaster! Welcome little chick

[symonep]

A rollercoaster indeed! Have put a towel and some kitchen roll down (bedding was not a good idea when chicks are hatching, it was stick to it all over, it looked like a bundle of wood chippings!). It is very wobbly still but it has only been out 3 hours, not sure how long it normally takes for it to get the strength to stand, it is still drying off so hopefully by the time we gat back (we are off for a charity bike ride round Brands Hatch) it will have fluffed out.

Here are some photos

[ANHBUC]

Great pictures, thanks for sharing them with us.   

[JaK]

So happy for you! Lovely pics too. Can't wait to see what it look's like all fluffy. 

[symonep]

I'm a bit worried it still isn't that fluffy but it maybe because it is under the brooder and not in the incubator, it also isn't walking that well yet, should I be a little concerned just yet or not?

[ANHBUC]

Found this quote online

"Hatching Chickens

Pipping is when the hatching chickens begin to peck through their shell. It can take up to six hours for the chick to fully emerge, and a further six hours for it to dry, fluff up and begin to move about."

www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/hatching_chickens.html

[symonep]

Ah thanks, that makes me feel better, this morning it is up and about but it does this strange laying around thing whack cracks me up, pooping has begun also! I just need to get hold of the bloke to get it another chick.
Will put some food and water in tomorrow, does that sound about right?

[ANHBUC]

Mine were eating and drinking at day old so yes.  You may have to dip its beak in the water to encourage it to drink. 

[symonep]

It's doing well, put some food and drink in there tonight and it gobbled the food up that was sprinkled on the floor. Running around like a loony as well. We pick up a friend for it that hatched today in the morning. Will try and get some pics up tomorrow when I have more time 

[symonep]

'Lucky' as it will be known from now on is doing very well. Running around and eating and drinking, hasnt quite got the hang of scratching its head yet as it just falls over  

we picked up a bantam chick this morning and instantly 'Lucky' took a dislike to it    but i am sure they will become buddies soon.

all fluffy now and if feather sexing is reliable (which i am guessing it isnt) then this is a she! Time will tell though i guess

Luckys new roomie is knackered!

[ANHBUC]

Lovely chicks.

The wing feather sexing was only in certain breeds that they developed so they could cull the boys.  Don't think you can do it on just any old breed. 

[jhub]

Lucky you too

[symonep]

Lovely chicks.

The wing feather sexing was only in certain breeds that they developed so they could cull the boys.  Don't think you can do it on just any old breed. 

  i had strong words with her and told her how dissapointed i would be if she were a he, she agreed ........