I could not kill my chickens. Just wasn't raised that way. I understand the need, but I just can't. I'll give them to a hungry family if they get aggressive. I actually don't eat them either. It just bothers me. To each his own.
I just hatched for the first time last week. It was amazing. I had 10 eggs from my 2 hens and one rooster that were killed by a predator. Although candling did not reveal anything we kept up with the incubation. Research floating the eggs in water. It is much easier and definitely let's you...