Claire Thompson
So, your chicks have hatched in an incubator—now what? Well, the first thing to know is that you should leave them in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy. Removing a wet chick prematurely can cause them to get chilled. Newly hatched chicks have very basic needs: a warm, draft-free space, safe from predators. This space is referred to as a brooder box, and it should be stocked with chick starter feed, water, and a heat source. You should also be sure to remove any eggs that haven't hatched, as leaving them in the incubator may cause the hatched chicks to bump into them, or they may even pop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long to leave chicks in the incubator after hatching | 24–48 hours after the last chick has hatched |
| How often to open the incubator | Only when necessary, as doing so lets heat and humidity escape |
| How to handle chicks with bits of shell, membrane, or umbilical cord still attached | Resist the temptation to help; leave the chicks in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy |
| How to transition chicks from incubator to brooder | Safely move them without harming them |
| How to feed chicks | Feed a complete chick starter feed from hatch until week 18 or when the first egg arrives |
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What You'll Learn
Leave chicks in the incubator until they're dry and fluffy
It is important to leave the chicks in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy. This is because chicks can still receive nutrients from the egg yolk before hatching, meaning they can go 2 to 3 days without food or water. This gives them a reserve of yolk sack to survive on. Being cold or dehydrated uses more energy, so leaving them in the incubator is beneficial. Additionally, it can be stressful for chicks to be moved from the incubator to a brooder too soon. It is also important to note that removing the lid of the incubator can let heat and humidity escape, which can affect the success of the hatch. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the chicks in the incubator for at least 24 hours, and up to 48 hours after the last chick has hatched. This gives them time to rest and ensures they are dry and fluffy before being moved.
During this time, it is normal for the chicks to stumble around and bump into the other eggs. It may be tempting to help, but it is best to leave them unless they are at risk of harm. It is also common for chicks to suddenly drop and appear to be dead, but they are usually just sleeping off the stresses of hatching. Therefore, it is important to leave them in peace and resist the urge to move them too soon.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest moving the chicks to a small incubator once it is safe to do so, but this should be done with caution as there is a risk of harming the chick. It is also important to ensure that any non-developing eggs are removed from the incubator, as they can rot and explode, contaminating the other eggs.
Overall, leaving the chicks in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy is an important step in the hatching process. It ensures the chicks have time to rest and receive the remaining nutrients from the egg yolk, while also reducing the stress of moving to a new environment too soon.
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Prepare a brooder box with bedding, a heat source, a chick-sized feeder and waterer
After your chicks hatch, you'll need to prepare a brooder box, which is a heated enclosure that mimics the warmth and protection a mother hen would naturally provide. Here's what you need to do:
Choose a Brooder Container
Select a container that provides adequate space for your chicks to move around while maintaining heat efficiently. Ensure the container has good ventilation but is also draft-free and safe from predators.
Bedding
Line the bottom of the brooder container with 1-2 inches of bedding. Proper bedding absorbs moisture, provides traction, and contributes to overall cleanliness. Recommended bedding options include straw or untreated pine shavings. Avoid cedar shavings, as the aromatic oils can irritate the chicks' respiratory tracts. You can also use shredded newspaper, but avoid full sheets as they can cause Spraddle Leg, a complication that affects the tendons of young chicks' legs.
Heat Source
The right heat source depends on the bedding and container you've chosen. Two popular options are a heat lamp and a heat plate. Heat lamps work well with shredded newspaper and untreated pine shavings, but avoid using them with sand due to fire risk. Secure the lamp to a brooder wall or arrange it overhead with a chain, and consider using a red bulb so your chicks can sleep. If using a heat plate, provide a small light source so the chicks can find their food and water. Adjust the heat source according to your chicks' behaviour: if they're huddled together, they need more heat; if they move away from the heat source, they're too hot; if they're spread out and content, the temperature is right.
Feeder and Waterer
Use chick-sized feeders and waterers, as your chicks may not be able to reach larger ones. Feeders and waterers come in various forms, such as basic feeders, nipple drinkers, or poultry jars with screw-on dishes. Ensure the waterers are slightly elevated to prevent bedding and waste from getting into them, and keep them clean and full at all times.
By preparing a brooder box with these essential components, you'll be well-equipped to care for your newly hatched chicks and ensure their health and comfort.
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Stock up on chick starter feed
Once your chicks have hatched, it's important to stock up on chick starter feed to ensure they get the best start in life. Here are some detailed instructions and advice to help you through this process:
First and foremost, it's important to understand that chicks can survive on the nutrients from the egg yolk for their first few days after hatching. They can go up to 2 to 3 days without food or water, so there is no need to rush them out of the incubator immediately. It is recommended to leave them in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy, which usually takes a day or so. This gives them time to rest and adjust to their new environment.
However, once they are ready to move on, it is vital to have a constant supply of chick starter feed available. This feed is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing chicks. It is crucial that you choose a complete feed, such as Purina® chick starter feed, to ensure your chicks get all the necessary nutrients for their development. This feed should be provided from the moment they hatch until they are about 18 weeks old or when they lay their first egg.
To create a comfortable and safe space for your newly hatched chicks, set up a brooder. This should be a warm, dry, and draft-free area that is protected from potential predators. Equip the brooder with bedding, a heat source, and chick-sized feeders and waterers. Ensure that the feeders and waterers are easily accessible to the chicks at all times.
Additionally, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices. Keep the brooder clean and free of any debris or soiled bedding. Regularly clean and refill the feeders and waterers to provide your chicks with a constant supply of fresh food and water.
By following these instructions and stocking up on chick starter feed, you'll be able to provide your newly hatched chicks with the best possible care and nutrition, setting them up for a healthy and strong start in life.
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Don't cut anything attached to the chick post-hatch
It is important to note that opening the incubator unnecessarily may compromise the other chicks, as it lets heat and humidity escape. Therefore, it is generally advised to leave the chicks in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy. They can go 2 to 3 days without food or water, as they receive nutrients from the egg yolk before hatching.
Chicks may still have bits of shell, membrane, or the umbilical cord attached post-hatch. It is advised to leave these alone and not cut anything, as you may rupture a blood vessel. Once the chick begins to dry, the attached remnants will also dry out and fall off on their own. The chick will then fluff up, and it is safe to transfer them to a brooder.
If you do need to assist a chick, make sure there is enough humidity and only take the top off the shell. You can keep the chick moist by wrapping it in a wet paper towel and then slowly peeling away the shell with dull tweezers. Be careful not to hit a vein or rip the fragile skin.
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Move chicks to the brooder without opening the incubator unnecessarily
Moving chicks from an incubator to a brooder can be stressful for both the chicks and the handler. It is important to know the right time to move them without opening the incubator unnecessarily.
Chicks should be left in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy. They can be left in the incubator for at least 12-24 hours after hatching. They should be completely dry and fluffy and starting to get active. It is best to wait until almost all the eggs have hatched before moving anyone. This is because opening the incubator messes with the humidity inside, which is crucial for the hatching process. Chicks come out of the egg very wet and moving them before they are dry can chill them, and chicks can die very easily if they get too cold.
If you need to open the incubator, do so quickly and carefully, to minimise the loss of heat and humidity. Chicks can go 2-3 days without food or water, as they receive nutrients from the egg yolk before hatching. This means there is no rush to remove them from the incubator, and they will be fine until the rest of the brood has hatched.
If a chick is struggling to dry off properly, you can place it in a separate, less humid incubator to give it some 'me time' before placing it in the brooder.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to leave the chicks in the incubator until they are dry and fluffy. This can take up to 48 hours, but they can survive without food or water for 2-3 days.
You will need a brooder box, which should be a warm, draft-free place safe from predators. You will also need bedding, a heat source, a chick-sized feeder, and a chick-sized waterer.
Newly hatched chicks will need immediate access to complete feed, such as Purina® chick starter feed.
Leave the chick alone and do not cut anything as you may rupture a blood vessel. The cord will dry out and fall off by itself.
High temperatures and lack of water can be detrimental to the chicks' survival. However, as long as the chicks are provided with water and the temperature is regulated, they may still survive, as evidenced by one user who reported a decent hatch rate despite these challenges.
