into an incubator.
After 21 days of 100 degree warmth, 45%-55% humidity, and constant, slo-o-o-o-w rocking back and forth,
the hatching began.
This was the first little guy to break out of his shell. It was hard work! Over the next 36 hours, 15 more babies made it into the world. They spent their first 8 hours or so in the incubator, resting, drying, and getting steady on their legs. Then they were moved to our brooder, which is really only a big cardboard box with a heat lamp. There they finished drying and began drinking water, eating chick feed, and making that sweet peeping sound. I love to just watch them, so fluffy and cute.
From shells, yolks, and whites to these fluffy chicks in 21 days. Nothing short of a miracle, I'd say.
I agree! So cute and healthy looking... good story start to finish!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...these little guys are just precious! Now I REALLY want to get me some!
ReplyDeleteThe miracle of life!! Too bad they're only fuzzy little chicks for such a short time. Sooo cute!
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable! So many pretty colors, too! Looks like a healthy little flock!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to watch them all hatching, now to see them grow :)
ReplyDeleteDiana
OH! How CUTE!!! <3
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet to see! A miracle of nature. Thanks for sharing all your photos of this 'birthing'. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteSo cute great story
ReplyDeleteLaura
We've just purchased 4 barred rock hen babies. We have an inexpensive incubator, but I have serious doubts about its worth. In a couple of weeks we'll be buying Americana chicks. If any hatch out of the incubator, that will be a wonderful plus!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all your babies! May they fill you with many eggs!
AMAZING! And their fluffy feathers are simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThey look like they are thriving beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThey are so precious! I always wish they would stay little :) It is such an exciting process, isn't it? My in-laws hatched some eggs a couple of years ago and it was the first time I got to see it in person - indeed, what a miracle! Thank you so much, my friend, for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteAww! What darling little things chicks are! And thank you for sharing all these lovely photographs, Nancy! So special to see the little chick entering the world...fresh and beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteOur hen laid 21 eggs last spring and about 14 hatched...I just loved having the peeping chicks running about after the momma and then seeing her cover them with her feathers.
Watching her with her babies reminded me so much of the verse in Psalm 91 - "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge..." SO comforting to think we are under the Lord's protection!
Have a wonderfully blessed day and a very happy spring!
Much love and hugs,
Kelly-Anne
I've never so appreciated what a tight fit that is! We all enjoyed these, Leland especially. They again have eggs in an incubator at their school, but they are all white eggs so I know the result will not be as variegated as this truly diverse flock!
ReplyDelete