2015 HALLOWEEN Hatch-a-Long, Join us IF YOU DARE!

[Peep-Chicken]

Wait, I was on desktop version and I do have a badge! Oh my goodness! When did that happen?

 

[Frindizzle]

This apron is full of imperfections. I didn't really measure or iron or pin anything. It will probably hold up to daily use and washing. It has two quilted pockets that should each hold about 6 chicken eggs. The large center pocket can hold lots of other goodies. I'm not a professional seamstress, and I wouldn't exactly call it etsy quality. Is this good enough for a donation?

I think it's great!

 

[Frindizzle]

Wait, I was on desktop version and I do have a badge! Oh my goodness! When did that happen?

IKR same here!

 

[Peep-Chicken]

IKR same here!

Congrats! I wasn't online much in the summer, I wonder who nominated me.

 

[Pyxis]

Congrats to both of you! Looks like a few people in here got their badges today

 

[ronott1]

Wait, I was on desktop version and I do have a badge! Oh my goodness! When did that happen?

Congratulations!

They announced the badges yesterday.

 

[prizepete]

your kidding!!! detatched or rolling? scroll to shipped egg section..... reminder treat normal eggs AS normal eggs

Hatching Eggs 101 - BackYard Chickens Community

Shipped Eggs = Change Of Plans!
Shipped eggs have a MUCH lower hatch rate, even with experienced hatchers!
The following Word File can be used when ordering shipped eggs,
it is our suggestion that you copy/paste/edit to help you get the best eggs possible.


An open letter to egg shippers.doc 27k .doc file


It’s always best to get local eggs to get the best hatch rate.

BELOW ROLLING AIR CELL OF A SHIPPED EGG
Rolls like a Carpenters Level



UNDERSTANDING what goes WRONG with SHIPPED EGGS
The yolk of an egg is held in place on each end by what is called Chalaza. These are delicate cords that keep the yolk centered in the egg. When you crack open an egg, you notice a white stringy thing on the yolk, this is the Chalaza. When eggs are shipped they encounter postal handlers that toss the packages, sorting machinery, bumpy vehicle rides, temperature changes and possibly X-ray Machines! So by the time the eggs get to you they are pretty much scrambled inside. So if you are going to buy eggs and have them shipped to you, be aware that the viability drops TREMENDOUSLY. There are rare instances when they ALL arrive safely but it is always a gamble.
See Egg anatomy here http://www.geauga4h.org/poultry/egg_parts.htm



CONCLUSION ~
Shipped eggs
If an egg has a normal intact air cell PLEASE TREAT IT AS A NORMAL EGG!
PLEASE PLEASE READ THE TURNING SECTION of this article FIRST!
here: Hatching Eggs 101 - BackYard Chickens Community
For rolling, detached or disrupted air cells
(cells no longer at fat end of the egg but like a bubble level on the long side, rolling or saddle shaped cells), you’ll need to change your hatch plan. These eggs need to sit and settle to room temp 12-24 hours NO TURNING, pointy end down in a Egg Carton to possibly reattach air cells.

For SETTING in the incubator......

If your air cell is ROLLING end to end do not turn for 36-48 hours of the first incubation hours to help air cell re-attach and in some cases are really bad loose air cell should not be turned either, if after 48 hours and you have embryo growth and the air cell is still completely loose, do not turn another 24 hours.

If air cells are saddle shaped but intact (meaning not jiggly) I put them in the turner and begin with the gentle turning or you can turn by hand in the carton by simply tilting side to side, see image below.

TREATMENT AT LOCKDOWN.......
I personally have found that any shipped egg that survives to day 18 lockdown has an awkward but re-attached air cell so I lay my eggs down for hatch. Please refer to day 18 lockdown for more information on why laying eggs for hatching after day 18 is the best way to go.

REMINDER~ Never Set COLD eggs in the incubator.



Below image are Eggs in A Carton with Bottoms cut out for Ventilation



Below image of Turning damaged air cell Shipped Eggs, just lean to opposite side.


BELOW is a short video of an Rolling Detatched Air Cell

SHIPPED EGGS & Malpositions!
BELOW ARE "SADDLE" SHAPED AIR CELLS

SADDLE SHAPED AIR CELLS are very COMMON with shipped eggs!​

Saddle shaped is when one or both sides have a large "dip" in the air cell. A lot of times with saddle shaped cells the chick doesn’t position correct for hatching and their feet can easily get stuck behind their head and “smoosh” the chick so they can’t move, it can also force the yolk sack and everything more north in the shell.... Keep a close eye on these eggs and its VERY important to pencil mark Air cells!​

yes deff. rolling. One is saddled and there is one that is normal... could this decrease my hatch rate?

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Congrats to both of you! Looks like a few people in here got their badges today

Thanks.

Congratulations!

They announced the badges yesterday.

Thanks. And guess I wasn't that late.

 

[tao chick]

I have to build something to hatch in before the 23rd. I just set into motion a plan to purchase local eggs on Friday morning that I'll set that night for an official Halloween hatch. I have one incubator- 15 eggs set last night. 8 eggs to set Friday night. Eep. I have to search the barn for ingredients and get started.

 

[littlenessie]

I have duck eggs that are due to hatch right around Halloween Can I join in the fun here?