Hi all, As some would know I have aquarius & mate with 5 chicks so far plus 5 eggs, all look fertile.

 

I also have another pair with 2 chicks plus 2 fertile looking eggs. I removed 4 clear eggs from pair 2 to-day, those eggs were laid on same days as corresponding eggs in aquarius's nest,( if last 2 hatch in order).

 

My question is, I think 10 chicks would be a really big challenge for pair 1. if they all hatch.

 

To foster a couple or three to nest 2. is it better to swap eggs? or leave it until eggs hatch and swap chicks over?

My thought's were as pair 2 still have a couple of eggs would they accept more eggs rather than chicks?

 

I don't want to risk any of aquarius's chicks but think 10 would be a big load to rear.

All advice welcome.

I would swap the chicks, either the newly hatched or older ones. Its easier to shift older chicks if you have legrung the older ones so you can ID them later on. Too much can go wrong shifting partly incubated eggs around, but its up to you

Thank's Kaz, didn't think of swapping older ones.

Aquarius had 2 hatch same days as other nest's, his 3/4 chick's if I move them they will be similar size and leave little one's with mum. That will only give nest 2, 5-6 to rear and aqu. 8 if all hatch. thanks again Kaz.

I agree with Kaz, move chicks not eggs. If they all hatch he would have a large brood!

Thank's Kaz, didn't think of swapping older ones.

Aquarius had 2 hatch same days as other nest's, his 3/4 chick's if I move them they will be similar size and leave little one's with mum. That will only give nest 2, 5-6 to rear and aqu. 8 if all hatch. thanks again Kaz.

Sounds like a good plan

Went against my own plan and swapped two oldest. There is only one egg (miscounted before she only had 2 chicks one egg left) to hatch in new nest possibly tomorrow.Now any others that hatch from Aquarius will all be closer in size and age, not getting squashed etc.by older chick's.Put 2 chick's over before lunch. Just checked all chicks nestled to-gether and Mum was sitting on all no probs. so far.New test for me, haven't tried this before, my heart was in my mouth in case new mum had hurt them. Thank's for help. :question:

I agree with Kaz, move chicks not eggs. If they all hatch he would have a large brood!

Thank's ratsy, Yes that's why I thought I'd try it now because I didn't want to over stress Aquarius and the hen is only smaller pet type so thought it might help all round because other hen had 4 clear eggs, i'd say last of her clutch because others have hatched 2 days apart so maybe last few were not fertilised. Same thing last time with her she laid 9 hatched 4. My "long feathered" lot, this time she's with a pet type so hope that helps problem. :question:

haven't tried this before, my heart was in my mouth in case new mum had hurt them.

New mums are good about accepting chicks. The thing is you never put a fully fearthered one ( 3-4 weeks ) in a foster mums nest as they are seen as intruding adults. Anything younger up to 2 and a half weeks ) is fine.

haven't tried this before, my heart was in my mouth in case new mum had hurt them.

New mums are good about accepting chicks. The thing is you never put a fully fearthered one ( 3-4 weeks ) in a foster mums nest as they are seen as intruding adults. Anything younger up to 2 and a half weeks ) is fine.

 

Thank's Kaz been shopping and just checked again. Everyone is settled down in both nests so just have to wait for rest to arrive. :question:

Any more pics?

Any more pics?

 

This is Aquarius and Skye.

 

 

This is picture of first five, before I moved 2 biggest, one more hatched to-day making 6 from 10 so far.

 

Uh oh! Oh won't tell Skye that Skye is a common name. How many are showing fertile?

You have some nice full crops there Robyn they must be good parents,goodluck with the rest hatching

 

hope all goes well.

Thanks for the new photos...........really good to see

Uh oh! Oh won't tell Skye that Skye is a common name. How many are showing fertile?

ALL OF THEM. I think ratsy. hope I don't have any d.i.shell or anything. 4 to go.

You have some nice full crops there Robyn they must be good parents,goodluck with the rest hatchinghope all goes well.

Yes Libby, I'm really pleased the way things are going. I knew the little hen was a good breeder and Mum which is why I chose her, as Aquarius was an unknown quantity. He's done himself proud. Can't wait to see them feathered up. :laughter:

Thanks for the new photos...........really good to see :laughter:

Thanks Kaz babies have settled in with new parents without a hitch, thanks again for that advice, I now know that's possible if the need arises again. :laughter:

Edited April 11, 201015 yr by robyn