have never helped one out the shell Bill ,they are amazing little creatures .have noted when nests have a chick that split the egg lengthways ,they tend to be a "good un" and when i read game chick , i was looking to see something else
2 of the hens i had previuosly locked up in the boxes ,have now cuddled up with 2 other cocks.at least the 1 that was taking over 3 boxes and 3 hens has settled with one now too.
ive almost given up with them , 4 pairs look fine together .the other 4 ,1 cock trying to take 3 hens and 3 boxes .2 hens have each layed first egg after being in for 3 days ? must have paired to each other before being moved in. another pair took to a space along side the boxes where the inner door slides into (thought that big gap was going to cause a problem) so have had to do some modification today .the only good thing is at least they wont all be sitting at the same time
i realised that as i was reading Walter ,another great story .i like the fact you waited for them to "pick themselves" by showing you who was on form or keenest .