Keeping Warm

Rachel is sitting top of the newly born chick because at this early stage, chicks are unable to hold in body heat and are very susceptible to weather and temperature. As its down begins to grow in and fluff, it will provide insulation but no waterproofing. This morning when the chick hatched, it was 52 degrees, with semi-clear skies, and little wind. Rachel and Steve will still need to brood on top of their chick whenever they are not trying to feed it.