11th Annual Easter Hatch a Long 2020

[kelseyk]

Have you hatched any before? I have adult guineas now that were raised from keets but all my females were killed. And they’re so pricey that I rather gamble on hatching some eggs, but I need some encouragement as I would end up hatching shipped eggs and I’ve never done that.

I have not, only ever hatched chicken eggs. I've got lots to learn.

 

[kelseyk]

Temp and humidity are pretty much the same. Duck eggs are really robust, so you shouldn't have many issues. I just kind of wing it each year and I have great hatch rates. The only thing that really comes to mind is that duck eggs need very good air circulation, and you should open the incubator for a few minutes every day to let fresh air in, and keep good air circulation in the room. I run a fan on low and crack the windows. But again, duck eggs are really robust, so you don't have to go too above and beyond. Good luck with your duckies!

I predict that with all of these people buying crisis chickens, when everything goes back to normal in a few months, we'll see a lot of chickens and chicken supplies up for sale for cheap, like the month after Easter on steroids. I'll most definitely be on the prowl on Craigslist. Last year, I got a 7' x 5' coop, seven beautiful purebred Ameraucanas, like a dozen feeders and bowls, several bags of food, and a very nice wire chicken carrier all for $200. I only thought I was buying the coop, but when I got there, the woman just gave me everything. I LOVE Craigslist.

It will be crazy the amount of stuff that will be for sale when this is all over!

 

[kelseyk]

I got some Guineas two years ago. Most adorable chicks I've ever seen. Raised them in the house and handled them a lot, just like with my other birds. Five acres of land, yet they never went more than thirty feet from my house. They flew up onto the roof all day, tried to lay eggs up there (once one fell right onto my head, just like in a cartoon), pooped right in front of my door, screamed all day, and attacked people. I don't just mean unfamiliar people too, they attacked everyone, even me. Needless to say, I'm not a fan.

Although, they do lay delicious eggs and they are very good guard birds. And they have very pretty feathers, good for crafts. I think I just got a bad batch, because a lot of people I've talked to love their Guineas. They're still only semi-domesticated, some lines more than others, so make sure they come from a good, non-aggressive line.

I always remember my parents guineas getting on the roof....and they would run back and forth across the roof. Sounded like a heard of elephants up there! Never had any attack anyone, they were all scary cats. Geese on the other hand, to this day I am scared of geese because the one my parents had. Bit me twice because I got too close to the ducks nest. It would watch for me and come running to chase me every time I came out of the house, got off the bus, etc.

 

[Baker5]

Is it too late to join in? I saw this thread as I was searching for info on my FIRST ever hatching! I just happened to set my eggs on March 21st so hatch day is April 11th! I’ve never done this so it’s all an experiment. I got 16 eggs shipped (unknown breeds), and after a spectacular fail with a homemade incubator, I bought an inexpensive one. I currently have 5 eggs still active and developing and went on lockdown tonight. This is all so exciting!

 

[Mvan42]

Woke up to more babies. These guys just won't wait til day 21 even begins. Fluffy pictures to come later. I will be moving some to the brooder today. Egg soccer has begun.. lol

 

[catsndogs4us]

You don't need to move them. Once the first one hatches it will roll them all over the place anyhow.

I like to put them all together so that they're touching, but it honestly doesn't matter. Opening the incubator at this point isn't a big deal, so it's up to you.

Thanks for reassurances. We've only hatched with broody hens before, I didn't need to worry about these things. So excited to see the hatching this time.

 

[beth1004]

Ncie job!

Thanks!

 

[blackandtan]

Is it too late to join in? I saw this thread as I was searching for info on my FIRST ever hatching! I just happened to set my eggs on March 21st so hatch day is April 11th! I’ve never done this so it’s all an experiment. I got 16 eggs shipped (unknown breeds), and after a spectacular fail with a homemade incubator, I bought an inexpensive one. I currently have 5 eggs still active and developing and went on lockdown tonight. This is all so exciting!

Yes join us! I think the only caveat is that the eggs have to hatch in April, though I’ve never seen anyone kicked out of a hatch-a-long

And welcome to byc!!!

 

[Redhead Rae]

Have you hatched any before? I have adult guineas now that were raised from keets but all my females were killed. And they’re so pricey that I rather gamble on hatching some eggs, but I need some encouragement as I would end up hatching shipped eggs and I’ve never done that.

I hatch guinea eggs all the time. The tricky bit is that they vary when they hatch 26-28 days. Another tricky bit for me is that it seems I have 6 females and 1 male, They usually do best in pairs or trios. So I'm getting a lot of unfertilized eggs.

 

[FortCluck]

Ducklings are internally pipped and no externals yet. I can't wait to see these little fluffers.

The 12 eggs I got from a friend are all fertile