[Rosadollymixture]

I'm very distracted this morning as I'm watching five Scots Dumpy chicks hatch out in the incubator.  It's a first time venture for us so to have any hatch at all is just amazing.  Any words of wisdom from more experienced poultry keepers would be very much appreciated.  I'm following what the books say but practical experience is always better.

[Fowlman]

Make sure they are nice and fluffy before removing from the incubator. They can stay in the incubator up to 24 hours if its a staggered hatch. Also dip their beaks in the water when you put them in the brooder.

[Womble]

 
Phone your best friend.
 
Get them to come round and tie you to a chair. Give them strict instructions not to untie you until the last chick is out! (I mean that only half in jest!)

[Rosadollymixture]

Thanks for the advice.  I've been pretty much on guard all day.  The dogs couldn't understand why I kept disappearing and didn't take them a walk until mid-afternoon.  Three chicks have hatched and the other two have just broken a small hole in the shell so I guess they will put in an appearance later this evening.