[sheridal]

I have 5 chicks due to hatch today, I have candled them and they seem ok, well from what I can tell having never done it before. I have also weighed them and they have lost about 10% of their weight. I haven't heard any pipping from them yet, is that ok? I haven't seen any cracks yet, but going to wait with baited breath. I did go out during the day hoping that something would happen, but nothing. I don't know if I can stand the suspense!!

[Vember]

Can you see the eggs moving at all :?

[sheridal]

well 2 have moved, but one was leaning on the other. I have put them so that  they are leaning into the corners, is this right? or should I just let them lie down?

[Vember]

They should be lay down

[sheridal]

Ok will go do that now!!!

Thanks

[NormandyMary]

Im crossing everything for you!

[sheridal]

Well one of them started to hatch last night, at about 9pm, this morning it is no further on, but it you can still see the chick moving inside. How long can I expect the process to take?

I did have a bit of a panic last night, as we had a power cut (god knows why!) but fortunately it only lasted 10 minutes!!!

[sheridal]

still no change, so it has been 12 hours now. Have just found out OH opened up the incubator (silly boy) to check the other eggs after this one had pipped.

Please help as I don't want to lose this chick with it being he first I have ever hatched!

[Vember]

Is it still ok Sheridal?
Only just seen the message sorry

It might be an idea to get some sterile twezzers and take a small section of the shell away.

If you see any blood pop it straight back in the incy as it's not ready to come out yet.

If no blood keep taking a LITTLE bit of the shell away until you can see properley what is going on in there

[sheridal]

Sorry for not getting back sooner, we ended up having to go out, but before we did, we ended up doing as you said, there was no blood and we ended up getting the chick out completely. We put it back into the incubator and then went out (not ideal I know, but unavoidable.
Obviously we were a bit anxious as to whether it would still be alive or not. Imagine our surprise though when we got home and there were 2 chicks in there, both appearing to be well and pottering about.
Is it best to leave them in there until the morning? they haven't completely dried out yet, well they don't look that fluffy!!

Thanks for all the advice

[Kate and her Ducks]

Would leave them in till fully dried and fluffy

[sheridal]

Thanks, I expected as much. Can't wait until they are really fluffy and cute!!!!

[Kate and her Ducks]

And then you can post the pics.

All this advice isn't free you know

[sheridal]

I'm trying to sort out the pics, I am having problems getting them onto photobucket (not sure why) but have sent the moderator an email, to see if they can help. Hopefully you'll be seeing them later on.

There is nothing happening yet from the other eggs, We are on day 23 (well at 3pm we will be) How long do I leave them???

[Vember]

Hi again Sheridal

I'd leave them till tomorrow am to be on the safe side,

Glad you got 2 hatch

If there any movement with the others??

I've got to go out myself today

Got Relatives here from New Zealand, but will be around later

If you can hear noise or see movement then you could make a small hole in the air cell end of the eggs to allow any babies to breath,

It may be that the shell is too tough for them to get out, this would normally be due to wrong humidity :?

If you do find movement after making a hole do as I suggested yesterday

Sarah