Vader

Have you ever seen the movie "Kingpin"?

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

I just got their bracelets this morning and I need a hand to get them ready for their pictures.  Hubby is away at a VFW meeting and I'm waiting for his help.  Be patient although they are cute as bugs.

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

So it all comes down to this...it seems all you're after are "chick pics". BWAHAHAHAHAHA

Petee, all of DooBwa and part of upstate SC are waiting to see your chicks. I'll give you until tomorrow to produce, or I'll start posting pics of their brothers and sisters

Sorry my man, I'm voting with Bon.
Let's face it - you gotta remember where you've been before you can figure out where you're going.

Sorry my man, I'm voting with Bon.
Let's face it - you gotta remember where you've been before you can figure out where you're going.

Landy - Landfillguy

Sorry my man, I'm voting with Bon.
Let's face it - you gotta remember where you've been before you can figure out where you're going.

Sounds like Petee already has some banding to do.

Well, if you're going the heritage route, then you gotta add Sue. Landy Sue, redneck hen of DooBwaAnd they will, quite literally, have red necks

Sorry my man, I'm voting with Bon.
Let's face it - you gotta remember where you've been before you can figure out where you're going.

And don't get them wet or feed them after midnight.
Wait. Wrong species.

You know, despite your thorough and detailed explanations throughout this thread, someone just stumbling across this post could be easily confused by exactly what you're trying to discuss here.
This is the drawback of the written word.

Ok, just one picture to show all three stages of hatching. I found this one in my old pictures, and they are blue Ameraucana eggs, so you guys have to wait for Petee for the black coppers. This is what she is watching and waiting on right now. Today is day 21, so I expect she will have quite a few more chicks when she posts again.
 

 
See the egg to the left, with the small outward crack? That is what we mean when we say pip. The first thing to happen is a chick punches a hole in the egg and draws it's first breaths of air from the outside world. They expend a lot of energy hatching, so they will work a little, then rest for long periods of time. The first time you hatch, it drives you crazy, because you would think they would just pop out. For me, it's usually at least 12 hours from pip to hatch.
The egg to the right of that one has begun "zipping". After the chick rests, it starts turning in the shell, pecking a line all the way around. Most of the time you can see this line forming, and it looks much like a zipper. This is the process that takes so long, and this is probably when Petee heard the loud cheeping. They will work a little, rest for a while, then go back to work. They start cheeping a lot after they rest.
When the egg is about 3/4 zipped, the chick will start kicking the egg with it's feet. This is usually 10-30 minutes before the hatch. You can see the egg pushing apart then squeezing back together as the chick tries to stretch its legs out. When the shell finally gives, a soaking wet, exhausted chick pops out. It takes them a bit to get on their feet, but once they do, the soccer game begins
 
 
 
 

And don't get them wet or feed them after midnight.
Wait. Wrong species.

There are currently 4 chicks in the incubator and more pips.  I'm headed off to get a new tote to use as a brooder because I guess I used the last one for something else!  I set them on my kitchen stove and turn on the fan lights which can get very hot if necessary.  I use a baby gate on top and a towel if the air conditioner is running.   I also hang the water and food so it stays clean and use pine shavings.
 
My son always comes in and says, "Hey, you're cooking chicken but I don't think they're done yet!".  
 
Now it will be the outdoor toaster oven and the microwave for meals because it's too hot to turn on the stove anyway.

And don't get them wet or feed them after midnight.
Wait. Wrong species.

And don't get them wet or feed them after midnight.
Wait. Wrong species.