10/13/2024
I put in a late batch of eggs back 18 days ago and for the third time the Americanas hatching 3 days earlier then other breeds. It’s nice to see them hatching, but it creates a problem. Current thought is the last 3 days the eggs are in lock down meaning no opening and closing of the lid to control for higher humidity which keeps the chicks from getting shrink wrapped inside their inner shell (that thin layer that gets stuck to the egg white when you hard boil eggs). Chicks, though once they hatch, ought to be getting feed and water at 24 hours. The dilemma created is to either see if the chick can last three days without food and water or remove the chick fast enough and add more humidity in hopes of not disturbing the other chicks. IT is a serious problem and the number one cause of death I have had to deal with with chicks.
