So I have this small issue, three eggs hatched over 10 days ago, all chicks doing well. then yesterday one more egg hatches by the evening the new chick is flat at the opening of the nest box. Today next egg hatches and I discover that the oldest chick is pushing the new baby toward the mouth of the nest box. It has not been feed and I figure that it's fate is the same as baby number 4.

 

So a call to pippi, what to do? suggestions and discussion, a call to MB, yeah she has a hen sitting on day old chicks, she in fact has my hens sister! (you know it's always good to keep it in the family) so at around 8.30pm my sister and I drive to MBs with me blowing on the chick to warm it up (he/she/it was a little on the cold size) and we put them in the nest box. Drive home, waiting waiting waiting, receive PM, chick has full crop, way to go DQ's sister!

 

So without this board I am sure this little one would have lost the fight. Now the issue is what to do with the remaining two eggs? I think they are both due to hatch tonight or tomorrow (if my maths is correct) I don't want to pull them out as they are so close but I don't have another hen to put them under. Suggestions anyone? I know MB has some hens she could put the chicks under, I just can't bring myself to remove the eggs when they are so close to hatching.

It's risky to move them so close to hatching, I would wait until they hatch and then make a decision. Can you put a block of wood near the entrance to the box to stop the older chick pushing them under the feet of incoming parents? Also how far off hatching are lemons? If they are due to hatch any day now then she would probably feed one

Edited October 17, 200816 yr by Neat
typo's

I wouldnt move them either. BUT wait till they hatch and then decide based on the way of events. Can always race a chick or two off to a friend, but moving nearly ready eggs may involve dead in shell chicks at this stage :laughter:

I'll be heading out earlyish in the morning AV at around 10:30 and we'll be out all day until late in the evening or maybe even stay until Sunday morning so best to make a decision first thing in the morning if you have another newbie by then or otherwise I will be around on Sunday, might be out for a while if I go to the show though :laughter:

Edited October 18, 200816 yr by Neat