17th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-Along

[Beaus plus baby Bunny]

We've used them in the coops for a decade. It wasn't until about four years ago that I saw pictures of someone who had them in their brooder, and that minute we switched. Will they eat the pellets? No, they are too big, but even if they could, or eat some of the dustless sawdust they make when they get wet, it's just like the chips or anything else...they'll try it once, then bleh.

They keep the brooders dry and clean, except underneath the nipple waterer. There I have to change them out daily. When I don't, they "dust bathe" in them. So I cover that area with paper towels to stop that lol.

thats what we use at bomgaars for our chick bins

 

[CraziChknLady]

I would like to join if it's not too late! I set 9 Banty eggs. I have a few Mille Fleur D'Uccle, Mille Fleur OEGB and some Banty mixes. My first time using an incubator too so wish me luck!

I also just had a hen go broody. Does that count for this thread or only for incubator eggs? This is also my first time joining a hatch a long contest. So excited for baby chicks!

 

[Debbie292d]

I would like to join if it's not too late! I set 9 Banty eggs. I have a few Mille Fleur D'Uccle, Mille Fleur OEGB and some Banty mixes. My first time using an incubator too so wish me luck!

I also just had a hen go broody. Does that count for this thread or only for incubator eggs? This is also my first time joining a hatch a long contest. So excited for baby chicks!

Oh, I'm sorry but I think you're too late. For this hatch-along, you'd have had to set eggs to hatch on 3/21 through 4/18.

Check this forum though as there are many other hatch-alongs!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/hatch-a-longs.16184/

Wishing you a great hatch!

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

I would like to join if it's not too late! I set 9 Banty eggs. I have a few Mille Fleur D'Uccle, Mille Fleur OEGB and some Banty mixes. My first time using an incubator too so wish me luck!

I also just had a hen go broody. Does that count for this thread or only for incubator eggs? This is also my first time joining a hatch a long contest. So excited for baby chicks!

Feel free to read through. There’s tons of great stuff in this thread

 

[catsndogs4us]

Congrats on babies already starting! I set mine a day before the deadline so will enjoy all the earlier birds while I wait for my turn.

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

AAAAAHHHHHHH
H. A. T. C. H. I. N. G.

3 so far!

I think my brothers favorite time of the month is hatch day!
#FarmKids #Homeschool lol

 

[Debbie292d]

AAAAAHHHHHHH
H. A. T. C. H. I. N. G.
View attachment 4320534

3 so far!
View attachment 4320535

I think my brothers favorite time of the month is hatch day!
#FarmKids #Homeschool lol
View attachment 4320540

Adorable!!

 

[SheaLoner]

Lockdown!

 

[Sinadrea]

View attachment 4302133
View attachment 4302134
17th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-Along
All eggs set to hatch on 3/21 through 4/18 count!
Come join us!​

It's that time again! Every year, many members from all over the world come together to set eggs to hatch on the exact same day, April 4th, 2026 - the day BEFORE Easter. As a group last year, we had 1546 eggs set for hatching! If you are new to hatching, this is a great way to get a lot of help, tips, and advice. Join in the fun for the largest BYC Hatch-Along of the year!

Spoiler: Set Dates - Click to Open

Type of Egg	Days to Hatch	Set Dates
Emu	49 - 55	February 8 to February 14
Muscovy duck	35	February 28
Goose	28 - 32	March 3 to March 7
Pheasant	22 - 29	March 6 to March 13
Mallard (derived) duck, goose,	28	March 7
Turkey, Guinea, Peafowl	28	March 7
Call duck and other bantam ducks	26	March 9
Bobwhite quail	23	March 12
Seramas other small bantams	19 - 21	March 14 to March 16
Chickens	21	March 14
Pigeons	17 - 19	March 16 to March 18
Coturnix quail	18	March 17
Doves	14 - 16	March 19 to March 21
Button quail	16	March 19

Set Chicken eggs on Saturday, March 14th, at Noon (whatever time zone you are in). Other poultry set dates are listed in the spoiler & table above. To join the hatch-along, simply post in this thread that you wish to enter, and we will add you! Set dates for each type of domestic fowl are listed above.

This is our main chat thread for the hatch-along, where you can find anything from new friends, and awesome incubation help, to the most detailed educational discussions possible, and how could we forget the laughter and fun!

This post of the hatch-along will be updated as we move along with all the important information you will need, but if you find yourself with a question, just post it on the thread, everyone is helpful!

All of the contests are held in separate threads. To enter each contest, you must visit each contest thread, read the rules, and enter the contest.

If you end up not setting any eggs, please let us know! It makes it easier for our record-keeping and we don't have to try to track you down!

Places to find hatching eggs:​

• Chicken Hatching Eggs
• The NEW Crazy 24hr AUCTION thread
• Just In Time Hatching Egg AUCTION and BIN Thread

Incubation, Hatching, & Baby Chick Threads​

• Incubating & Hatching Eggs
• Raising Baby Chicks

Educational hatching articles:​

• The Beginner's Guide to Incubation
• Incubation Humidity
• Development of a Chicken Embryo Day by Day
• Candling Pics Progression Through Incubation Of Chicken Eggs
• Incubating And Hatching Muscovy Eggs
• Egg failure to hatch - Diagnosing incubation problems
• Guide to Assisted Hatching for All Poultry
• How To Incubate Hatch Eggs Using The Dry Incubation Method
• Fixing Curled Toes With Tape - Picture Tutorial and Video

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All of the contests are held in separate threads. To enter each contest, you must visit each contest thread, read the rules, and enter the contest. See post #2 for the current contest lineup!

I have 6 eggs under a broody hen. Can I join if they're due April 12th?

 

[TheChickenGirl16]

What do we think of this wig?