The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Maddox on June 03, 2009, 06:32:58 pm

Title: When do I help out??
Post by: Maddox on June 03, 2009, 06:32:58 pm

Hi all

My little chicks have been pecking a way all day to meet there new world but may I ask when (and if at all) do I give them a helping hand??

Many thanks
Maddox

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: dixie on June 03, 2009, 06:39:54 pm

Leave them alone, they can take 24 hrs! my last one did!

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: Maddox on June 03, 2009, 06:42:21 pm

My hands are tied firmly around my back...lol

Maddox x

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: shetlandpaul on June 03, 2009, 10:17:33 pm

when you think they are stuck. but be really careful any blood and leave them for a good few hours and try again. its better to have a chick that died after you have helped than finding them dead and fully formed. But don't rush to interfer they tend to manage.

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: Maddox on June 05, 2009, 07:05:18 am

Thanks paul, cant get anywhere near em though mum is sitting tight and not happy if i even stick my head in to see whats going on...lol

xx

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: shetlandpaul on June 05, 2009, 10:06:15 am

thats the trouble with doing it the natural way survival of the strongest. i would let nature run its course.

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: shrekfeet on June 08, 2009, 11:18:04 pm

I was once told that if they are not strong enough to get out of the shell then they are not strong enough to survive and will be more trouble than they are worth. But I bet loads of you are going to tell me just how many you have helped out and how wrong I am!

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: dixie on June 09, 2009, 10:05:18 am

I wouldn't help, its easy to help and let the poor thing bleed to death as it wasn't quite ready.

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: jameslindsay on June 09, 2009, 10:17:30 am

I know it is very anxious times but if you feel it has struggled long enough and is not going to be able to get out on it's own go in and help. I have halped many ducklings out and never lost any once they start chipping. I hope all goes well for you.

Title: Re: When do I help out??
Post by: shetlandpaul on June 09, 2009, 11:26:58 am

the only way that you should help out is if your doing it in an incubator then its worth the risk but to keep disturbing the broody hen could end up with you losing a full batch. if there is any blood then its not ready. if they have cracked the shell and after 24 hours they are not out then give them a hand.