At the risk of sounding stupid....

[Munch]

My 1st chick hatched about 24 hours ago and the last between 3am and 8am this morning.

Now my question is....

Should I clean the incubator?

Brinsea suggested putting some kitchen paper down before they hatch but it is just pulp now and it is very steamy in there. And they have got to be in there for another day haven't they?

Thanks muchly.

I am not really that stupid, just dont want to make a mistake!

[Suechooks]

I put mine under the electric hen in 24 hours. Have put them in together or separately depending on numbers or time gap between hatching. They're usually pretty dry in a couple of hours in the incubator.
I'm no expert though - only done 4 hatches!

[Munch]

My chicks are still wet. Only the ones that are now 24 hours are drying out. The conditions in the incubator are really quite wet thats why I wondered if I could give it a quick clean out/dry out. thought it might help the drying process.

[Snadger]

I usually take them straight out as each hatches and put them under heat lamp!

[Munch]

I think I am going to take them out tonight and instead of going straight into the brooder cage I might put them into a cardboard box with plenty of newspaper and shavings in (and brooder lamp). I think it will be warmer for a couple of days.

My incubator seems too cramped for them now. They cant move anywhere without standing on each other. It also is still so moist in there they dont seem to be drying and it can only be harbouring any bacteria that is could be in there.

What do you think?

Its just all so scary the first time. I thought I read all about it but I guess I will never stop learning.

[Snadger]

Don't worry Munch, you've got the hard bit over, it all should be plain sailing from now on!

[Nicos]

Don't worry it all should be plain sailing from now on!

Ya honestly think that????? !!!


I jest!

[Munch]

Thanks Snadger.

Honestly dont know what I would do with out you lot sometimes

They are happily in box under lamp and amazingly looking dryer and happier already. Although tricky to see them under the Brinsea eco Brooder!

One even popped out for a look around... much better.

[Nicos]

Piccies...piccies!!!!!!

[Glutton4...]

Piccies...piccies!!!!!!

I was just about to say the same, Nicos!