11th Annual Easter Hatch a Long 2020

[elisabeth_]

Hi all! Is it too late for me to join?
I am new to BYC and I set 5 silkie eggs under my broodies on the 23rd (coincidentally the perfect time for the hatch-along lol).
I think I can learn a lot from you all, since this is only my second silkie hatch.

I’ve been looking through some of your messages and I’m so excited to see your hatch pictures around Easter time!!

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I candled today. Still have 37/50 viable and the weight loss% is dead on!
I am unfamiliar with the majority of the breeds in the potluck eggs, so I looked up pics of what the chicks will look like so I know how to separate them during hatching. Maybe I'll be able to keep them straight, lol.

I was worried about this too. It's easier than you think. Just do what you've already done. Familiarize yourself with the breeds, down color, eye markings, leg color, and comb type. A handful of chicks looked similar at first glance but once you started really looking at them they're unique. I did leg band a few but in the long run it wasn't necessary.

My potluck chicks are 6 week and I'm getting a sinking feeling all 5 Isbar that hatched are roos! I identified 3 roosters at 2 weeks. Gave 2 away, kept 1 Splash. I guessed the remaining 2 were pullets but they're now showing a suspicious amount of comb development and color. No green eggs for me Oh well. Better luck next time I guess.

 

[FortCluck]

I candled, today is day 3. All eggs have started developing. Some I could clearly see, some were pretty faint yet.

-Cracked Egg- I did however find another cracked egg that I missed when I candled when loading them in. It has development, so I’m hesitant to take it out, however I don’t want it to ruin the batch by going bad. Should I wax it, leave it or toss it?

Wax it just don't wax too much of the egg

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I candled, today is day 3. All eggs have started developing. Some I could clearly see, some were pretty faint yet.

-Cracked Egg- I did however find another cracked egg that I missed when I candled when loading them in. It has development, so I’m hesitant to take it out, however I don’t want it to ruin the batch by going bad. Should I wax it, leave it or toss it?

If it's a minor crack I would try nail polish because of the location of the crack being close to where there could be a pip.

 

[Phillisy]

How odd. I didn’t know one could contract egg envy, until I saw that photo!

THAT is eggciting!

... maybe that means you need to hatch yourself some ducks then

 

[Phillisy]

I candled, today is day 3. All eggs have started developing. Some I could clearly see, some were pretty faint yet.

-Cracked Egg- I did however find another cracked egg that I missed when I candled when loading them in. It has development, so I’m hesitant to take it out, however I don’t want it to ruin the batch by going bad. Should I wax it, leave it or toss it?

I second wax; basic white unscented from a tea light or emergency candle works really well. Just don’t apply too much, and keep and eye on that egg during hatching to make sure the wax doesn’t hinder it.

 

[Jules929]

I was worried about this too. It's easier than you think. Just do what you've already done. Familiarize yourself with the breeds, down color, eye markings, leg color, and comb type. A handful of chicks looked similar at first glance but once you started really looking at them they're unique. I did leg band a few but in the long run it wasn't necessary.

My potluck chicks are 6 week and I'm getting a sinking feeling all 5 Isbar that hatched are roos! I identified 3 roosters at 2 weeks. Gave 2 away, kept 1 Splash. I guessed the remaining 2 were pullets but they're now showing a suspicious amount of comb development and color. No green eggs for me Oh well. Better luck next time I guess.

Thank you!
I had a big hatch last year that I got confused on who was who once I put them all together. My hatch earlier this month was the first time I separated the eggs during hatch. I take a fluffed up pic as soon as I can to help keep them straight in my head, and that has helped. And I document the particulars (I'm a bit of a data nerd).
I don't breed them (can't have a rooster), so if I mix them up it isn't the end of the world, lol.
I had brain surgery on Feb 3rd, and have been in "self quarantine" for 2 months now, and don't go back to work until May 4th. Cabin fever, lol. It has been the perfect excuse to go crazy and put my incubators to good use, lol.
My Cream Legbar hatch started with 6 straight males, but fortunately the last 3 were girls.
4/5 of my potluck Isbars are developing. I am sorry yours are all males

 

[Redhead Rae]

I candled my eggs last night. About half were unfertilized.

I'm thinking I might have to do some AI with my roosters being the way they are. They are both Dark Cornish and have old leg injuries from fighting other roosters. Which causes them to limp.

 

[FortCluck]

Thank you!
I had a big hatch last year that I got confused on who was who once I put them all together. My hatch earlier this month was the first time I separated the eggs during hatch. I take a fluffed up pic as soon as I can to help keep them straight in my head, and that has helped. And I document the particulars (I'm a bit of a data nerd).
I don't breed them (can't have a rooster), so if I mix them up it isn't the end of the world, lol.
I had brain surgery on Feb 3rd, and have been in "self quarantine" for 2 months now, and don't go back to work until May 4th. Cabin fever, lol. It has been the perfect excuse to go crazy and put my incubators to good use, lol.
My Cream Legbar hatch started with 6 straight males, but fortunately the last 3 were girls.
4/5 of my potluck Isbars are developing. I am sorry yours are all males

I've been in quarantine the same length of time. I was hospitalized at that same time like exact same day. Ever since I got out my Dr has told me to only go home and my parents. I do stuff like pick up at Walmart but it's not that fun

 

[Jules929]

I've been in quarantine the same length of time. I was hospitalized at that same time like exact same day. Ever since I got out my Dr has told me to only go home and my parents. I do stuff like pick up at Walmart but it's not that fun

I ordered food and picked it up through the drive through yesterday and stopped at the drug store. But getting a bit stir crazy, lol. Hatching chicks is good therapy!