Sticky Chick
Updated 1.29.2021 to add that since I started hatching in the Hovabator 1588, and only swooping in twice a day to remove dried chicks, I have had far fewer instances of Sticky Chick. My best hatching tips are shared here.
When I have a large hatch going I usually end up with the last four or five chicks hatching sticky: encased in dried egg white-like stuff. Sometimes they are glued to their egg-shells and sometimes it’s just the problem of their fuzz being stuck to their bodies which makes them cold. They need their fuzz to be fuzzy.
Sticky Chick.
First thing I do is fill a coffee mug with very warm water and soak baby in the mug. She usually loves it and starts to nod off. I keep her head above water and gently scritch at the sticky stuff with my fingernail under the water level. Frequently it will peel off in sheets. If the water cools, I top it off with more very warm water.
Bathtime for Sticky Chick.
After all the gunk is gone it’s time for the blow-dry. I set up a warm-air wind-tunnel with a washcloth and my hairdryer and baby can move towards or away from the heat as she wishes
Blow Dry for Sticky Chick
When she is dry and fluffy, she goes into the pre-brooder and lives a happy fuzzy life..
