Recent content by cscigu

  1. cscigu

    Another hen and chicks question

    I've got a role of 4ft welded wire out there that I think would keep a chick in. It should hold form well enough to rig something like that. Also have some dreaded chicken wire, too that I could double it up. Guess I'm off to try and get a peek to see how many chicks..... Actually, I just...
  2. cscigu

    Another hen and chicks question

    Yeah, if I rigged up some kinda pen enclosure on the floor the hen would probably be less inclined to wander from the next box, just due to lack of other places to go. Trouble is: effort. I believe in Economy of Effort as a core principle, but I guess its the right thing to do.
  3. cscigu

    Need advice!! Allowing hen to hatch chicks (our first time doing so), and have location questions

    I also had a question about hatchings. In the past, I've tried to move the hen/eggs about 2-3 times, and they've always abandoned the nest. Just my experience. Ours run loose mostly, and seem to always lay (then brood) in an elevated place. I've worried that upon hatching chicks will fall...
  4. cscigu

    Another hen and chicks question

    I've never had great luck with broody hens due to our setup, with hens running loose all day, dogs, etc. I let a hen keep some eggs, and the first chick hatched yesterday. Naturally the row of 3 hen boxes she is in is sitting atop a shelf about 4 ft high. My plan is to wait about 2 more days...
  5. cscigu

    Day 18 is approaching - give us all the lock down and hatching tips!

    Big Hatching day here. I had 22-24 eggs I think. So far 16 out and 3 obviously working on it. I can only see about 3-4 eggs with no pip so far. Tons better than any previous hatch. I am now a Maticoopx believer, for sure. So darn easy and so consistent. If you're on the fence for a starter...
  6. cscigu

    Day 18 is approaching - give us all the lock down and hatching tips!

    I've got 2 out so far. This is on day 20 a couple hours shy of the time I placed eggs in incubator. Can spot a few pips. No real idea how it will go. Young hens, eggs gathered on fairly cold days, etc. As mentioned, first ever winter incubation. I did realize that I could simply life up that...
  7. cscigu

    BCM hatching fail

    Former Hova-bator operator. My guess as a non technical incubator is the time of year. I realized my Hova-bator really underperformed any time the temps were fluctuating much. Low temps would probably really be a bad deal, too. When I began hatching only in summer, rates improved. What I...
  8. cscigu

    Day 18 is approaching - give us all the lock down and hatching tips!

    This is my second time out with the Maticoopx, which I really like. I noticed the last few days the humidity was dropping slightly below 50% on the days approaching lockdown. When I took the turner trays out it looked like a couple of the water channels on bottom weren't getting water. I...
  9. cscigu

    Looking for a hatchery

    I worked part time at a small PO here in Oklahoma for several years. The issue would be with "The Plant" or distribution centers. Its very hard to know what's going on, or where parcels are kept. The volume is staggering, and even a conscientious driver/loader might not notice the chicks, and be...
  10. cscigu

    Day 18 is approaching - give us all the lock down and hatching tips!

    I think its safe, and just a matter of necessity. I've heard that chicks jostling around the unhatched eggs is normal, maybe helpful...? But, when I watch those day old chicks bumbling around in there, knocking eggs off to the edges, etc, I just want them out. I normally do all that by myself...
  11. cscigu

    Day 18 is approaching - give us all the lock down and hatching tips!

    I happen to be on day 18 today too. I've never hatched chicks in winter before, and am sure thankful the record cold snap here just ended. I'm no expert, but my rule of thumb is to wait until a chick (or 2 or 3) is nice and dry, and up on its feet, then remove. Seems like its usually about 24...
  12. cscigu

    General cleanup and disease protection.

    I've been lax at cleaning coops due to family sickness/death over the last several weeks. Been on the road back and forth constantly to the elderly in-laws, and various other needs. If a few days I hope conditions allow me to cleanout, sanitize a bit, and replace nest box straw, etc...
  13. cscigu

    Matticoopx Incubator

    Have a quick and very specific question. I have my new Maticoopx running, ready to put in eggs. The turner trays are obviously different from the old standard type with the Hovabator. These trays seem most suited to lay eggs on side, rather that pointy end down. What do I do? I'm used to...
  14. cscigu

    The Moonshiner's Bootleg Incubator Reviews And Discussions

    The one I bought (arrives tomorrow) is the Amazon special Maticoopx 30 egg job, with water bottle: $119. Can't argue price.
  15. cscigu

    The Moonshiner's Bootleg Incubator Reviews And Discussions

    Is that with the Maticoopx? (i hope) I'm no great incubator operator for sure. Had this Hovabator about 12 years, I think. I'll operate everything just the same, but spring hatches never match the summer hatches for me. I've wondered if it could be collecting egg temps, humidity, etc. One...
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