4th Annual BYC NYD Hatch-a-long

[Kismet]

A quick question for those of you who use a genesis incuabtor. Frist of all, I'm very impressed. Holds 99.5 - 100 degrees perfectly with no adjusting. I was wondering if you guys have ever seen temperature flucuations with an over crowded incubator. With the 1602N, anytime that I actually filled it, temperatures would go way out of wack (109 F on the thrid day) so I found out I could only put in a maximum of 24 eggs. I'm really excited about this genesis and I really want to fill it as full as I can, but I'm not sure if will affect the temperatures... So has anyone else filled the genesis with eggs to its max?

I always fill it when I incubate - maybe I think I'm saving electricity or something by having a full over a half full incubator. It's akin to making sure there is a full washload, not a partial one. I have even laid a few extra eggs on top of the turner until the first candling at 7 days, figuring I will have a few empty spaces available then. I mark those and they usually hatch.

I have never noticed the temperature dip, but I do have difficulty keeping the humidity stable. I have tried both dry and less dry hatches, and I still haven't done better than a broody. I have yet to hatch 100%. The best I have ever done is 86% (another reason for a full bator - that many more chicks). This will be my first winter hatch experience, so I will be interested to see how I do this time. All my eggs will be fathered by my Black French Copper roo, so either I will hatch purebred Marans or olive eggers (which I really like, too). My hens have finally begun to lay again after a what seemed like an interminable molt. And the pullets are laying like gangbusters. I am not sure of the fertility rate, however, since there are too many hens per roo. But I consolidated pens for the winter, so I didn't have to lug water to so many places.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: what do you mean "clear"

and thank you!

 

[MarineCorpFarmr]

My stockpile grows... and the ducks are starting to lay lol

 

[Bettacreek]

what do you mean "clear"

and thank you!

It means that you have to verify that you've sent your box of eggs to the person who claimed them.

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Being sent 12+ White Bresse hatching eggs from chickentows that I'm going to set for the NYD hatch along!!!!!!

 

[SleepyOwl]

what do you mean "clear"

and thank you!

You are on "probation" of sorts when you start out. Once you claim a swap, you can not claim another swap until you have sent the person who claimed your item, whatever it is that they claimed. Then they tell a moderator, and then you are "cleared" to claim another swap. Once you have been cleared 7 times, then you can claim swaps without being cleared.

 

[Mahonri]

Here is my broody Icelandic Ida with her five chicks. There are two browns... one with a white breast, a small light chipmunk and two blondies... I imagine those came from Cloud's eggs. I think the browns came from Rose's eggs and perhaps the light chipmunk came from Ida or Whitney. The only two that I am certain that the roo was frisky with were Cloud and Whitney, and of course Icelandics are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

 

[SilkieSensation]

oops! posted twice

 

[SilkieSensation]

I sure hope everyone getting shipped eggs has better luck then im having second order that has been lost if this one doesnt arrive I wont be in the NYD hatch as I cant find local eggs GRRRR USPS .

I have mixed layers I could ship out Saturday if you are just looking for "anything" to go in the bator. I can do 50 cents per egg plus shipping if you are interested. I have 6 eggs sitting here from the past 2 days & could have about 6 more (give or take) in time to ship Saturday morning.

These are 3 production hens & 1 mixed banty covered by a cochin bantam roo & possibly pure Silkie or Silkie/phoenix cross from the other pen.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Grrrrrr! Stupid computer!