Re: incubator hatched chickens

diddy wrote:

> It seems really strong and stout now, and hopping all over the place,
> but mostly cheeping. My husband says to take it out and show it REAL
> chickens. I said they'd KILL it, and besides, its not warm enough out
> there for it. He says, think a minute. Birds have been hatching for
> millions of years prior to our intervention.

Hens have been hatching chicks yes
but these have no bearing on that
IF you put these anywhere near adults for the first 5 plus weeks they can
get killed -- very quickly
Many adults will not accept youngsters until they are really young adults --
15 - plus weeks

It is fine for the moment for feed and water -- its got its own reserves. It
should also be warm enough in the incubator
ONce its in the rearing pen then persistant cheeping needs to be
addressed -- cold, damp, water, hunger
like any baby

> I cleaned the egg and mess out of the incubator. There is no yolk sac
> left.

there is in the chick

They are fine for the next day or two
If they are all out - up and about then they can be moved to the brooder
area you have ready for them

Enjoy

--

regards
Jill Bowis

Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment, Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Working Holidays in Scotland
http://www.kintaline.co.uk

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