Will hoey

[Minnie&Moose]

We now have at least 5 fluffy chicks, 1 egg that hadn't hatched or pipped at all by 5pm this evening, and an egg/chick that I haven't seen that is probably still under Magda. Magda is still sitting tight on the nest, will eat and drink if I put food/water within her reach, but otherwise won't shift. She'd soiled herself and the nest when I check this afternoon so I've cleaned her up as much as possible (without getting her wet or picking her up) and replaced the soiled bedding. She's so fluffy and the chicks are really small so I don't want to rummage around underneath her in case I damage a chick - should I let her sit a bit longer (today is day 23) or should I try and encourage her to start moving around?

Edited May 8, 2014 by Guest

[mollyripkim]

Congratulations, that's so exciting, you must be desperate to see them.

[Minnie&Moose]

Congratulations, that's so exciting, you must be desperate to see them.

Spotted a bright yellow, fluffy chick this morning when it poked its head out briefly from Magda's feathers . She's changed posture and there's lots of cheeping so I'm sure there are a few more under there - hopefully we'll get a better view tonight. I'm guessing the yellow one is a lavender orp - the other possibility is a wheaten maran but I haven't seen any brown shell debris yet!

[Minnie&Moose]

A week on and we still have all 5 hatchlings - 2 wheaten marans and 3 lavender orps at the final count. Mum and chicks are doing well - all being well I'll shift them all to the spare eglu (specially revamped to make it chick-friendly) and they can explore the grassy run!