New chicks knocking other eggs around, is this a problem?

[Cetacea]

I noticed with the few chicks that I had hatch that they are rather clumsy when they hatch and kept stumbling into the other eggs rolling them around. I can't imagine this is good for the eggs, but is it really bad? Is there something I can do for the next batch to help that? Any sort of little, unabtrusive egg holders I can use that won't be a problem for the new chick or inhibit the hatching process?

Also I noticed the water by day 21 was kind of scummy. Is there something I can do to prevent that? Am I supposed to try and change the water during the incubation process?

 

[Juliechickens]

Hi,,that's a good question and I too am waiting to see what answers you get. My first chick is in the process of hatching and I have many more to go. Am wondering what happens when chicks push around the other eggs after some have hatched and others have not. I'm sure this is very normal in a hatch but would like to hear it from an expert which I am so NOT...lol.
Good luck with your hatch too!
Julie

 

[Arklady]

There is a product I have seen others say they use. Its the rubbery mat you can put under either rugs or dishes and they keep them from scooting on slick surfaces. Plus they are easy to clean the chick can also get their footing on it in a hatcher prior to moving into a brooder.

Hope this helps.

Arklady

PS I haven't been able to try it because I have a larger bator and it isn't practical.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hello,
I just had 18 chicks hatch on Sat. It sounded like a chick stampede in the bator alright! I was concerned about the hatching eggs also, but everyone came out fine. I used a still air little giant with wire mesh floor and I could see how some rubber stuff would be good-it would be alot quieter in there too. I am not sure but I think rubbermaid makes a roll of flexible, rubbery soft drawer liner that comes in a small roll-walmart used to sell it. That would give them a real good grip and be easy to wash.

 

[Cetacea]

I have some of that stuff. Sounds like a pretty decent idea. Thanks.

 

[mommyp]

would you put the non slip stuff in when you stop turning the eggs or before you incubate?

 

[sudolph]

I'd have it warm, maybe in warm water, squeeze it out, and lay it down when you take eggs out of the turner. Being rubber, it is likely to absorb some of the heat and slow down temp recovery at a critical time if the mat isn't warm to start with.

I lost 2/3 of one hatch because I put cold water into the reservoirs at the same time I candled. Temp dropped to 90 for hours. Very sad.

Never thought of the rubber, but I think I'll try it on next batch.

sudolph