Hatching day
On day 21 the chicks will start "pipping" (break out of the shell). This is the period when the higher humidity in the incubator is most important and it should not be opened.
In 24 hours you should move them to a brood box. Here is a brief set of care instrucions.
Preparing the Brood Box:
- Set up a brooder box with clean bedding (e.g., wood shavings, pet wee pads, textured cloth etc).
- Install a heat lamp, maintaining the temperature around 32-35°C (90-95°F). Ensure the heat lamp is raised as the chicks get older (to prevent burns to the chick).
- Provide a shallow water dish and chick starter feed.
First 24 Hours After Hatch:
- Allow chicks to dry and fluff up in the incubator.
- Transfer chicks to the brooder once they are dry and active.
Daily Maintenance:
- Water: Replace with fresh, clean water daily; ensure it's shallow to prevent drowning.
- Food: Check and refill chick starter feed as needed.
- Temperature: Adjust the heat lamp height as chicks grow to maintain a comfortable temperature.
What if the Chick is Having Difficulty Hatching?
There are varying opinions on whether you should assist chicks that struggle to emerge from their eggs. Some believe that if a chick cannot hatch on its own, it wasn't meant to survive. However, at The Farmers Lot, we recommend intervening under certain conditions, such as when the environment is less than ideal due to factors like running out of water, loss of heat after pipping, or insufficient humidity.
If the chick hasn't hatched within 15-20 hours after pipping, you may consider assisting. This involves carefully peeling away the eggshell, taking care not to damage the chick. Often, the shell membrane may stick to the chick, which should also be gently removed. We typically leave the rear third to half of the shell attached, ensuring the legs and neck are free. A small amount of blood is normal, but it should only be a thin film.