4th Annual BYC NYD Hatch-a-long

[Pele]

I haven't been able to with any of mine but by the 1st week you will see that little comb forming. For some reason all of mine develop their combs very early. Don't know if that is the breed or just the ones that I am hatching out.

With barred and cuckoo breeds, you can usually tell gender from day one, as long as their breeding is pretty clean. If she can post a picture of the coloring on the chick's back, I can give a pretty accurate guess.

 

[Bettacreek]

ducks can take 3 days from pip to hatch as they rest A LOT between steps to fully hatch

So it's normal for them to pip 3 days before the scheduled hatch date? I guess otherwise they'd be 3 days late, lol. Crazy ducks. Do they exert more energy trying to hatch? I wonder if it's because of the egg or just the way they're built. Coturnix have similar eggs (thick membranes and shells), but I guess they would have to get out more quickly to get an outside source of nutrients. Are geese the same was as the ducks? I've never hatched goose eggs before.

 

[aka Rachel]

I havent been on in awhile, tons of posts behind.

News on the chicks:
I almost broke my incubator today while vacuuming. I thought i could carefully get around it, but then the ever so clumsy me decided to bumb it causing the automatic turner to lose the bator and it fell to the ground. I kept trying to put it back up but the turner is not workingright. It keeps falling apart. So after awhile i finally got it back up, hopefully it still turns now. :/

Oh no, good luck!!

I would have the same thing happen to me too btw.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

geese require a crazy amount of extra steps during incubation, but if you are home during the day it isnt so stressful. They too normally take 3 days to hatch.

We can have ducks pip on day 25 and be out by day 27/28 and others pip day 26 and be out day 27/29. They do have to work more with the tougher membrane and shells

 

[aka Rachel]

I need to post a picture of Drekkette. She's just about ready to move in with the rest of the Icelandic flock. She inherited that lovely blue.


I use the rubbermaid shelf liner. Easy to clean and makes a great grip for little toes.


Same here. I used to toss it until I realized it was washable. I wait until I have several icky, dirty pieces, then throw them in the washer with an old towel. I used to air dry it, but now throw it in the dry as well. I've been using the same pieces for over 6 mos. now.

Deb

I do the same as well. I cut a piece to fit inside my brinsea mini for when the turner gets removed at lockdown, worked fantastic. Just wash and rinse and hang dry waiting for next time (i miss my incubator!!!!)

I've got some bigger pieces in the cooler bator now. I think it works better then papertowel because it helps with the air flow.

 

[karimw]

OMG I would have never guess how adorable Maran peeps are.... look at this guy and OMG TOES!! geeezzzz And he isnt even fluffed up yet!! Thanks DMRippy <3 5 others are pipping!

ANYONE KNOW if you can sex Maran by looks?

Awe! With feet like that, it's gotta be a boy

 

[Brookhavens]

With barred and cuckoo breeds, you can usually tell gender from day one, as long as their breeding is pretty clean. If she can post a picture of the coloring on the chick's back, I can give a pretty accurate guess.

What markings do you look for on the back?

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I'm so upset and mad at myself! The momma chicken killed the duckling! Why didn;t I just leave it in the incubator or bring it inside to dry out! I cannot believe she killed the poor little thing! I am so sad! Poor, poor little baby! Rest In Peace Little One.

 

[TMNfarm]

I'm so upset and mad at myself! The momma chicken killed the duckling! Why didn;t I just leave it in the incubator or bring it inside to dry out! I cannot believe she killed the poor little thing! I am so sad! Poor, poor little baby! Rest In Peace Little One.

Oh NO!!!!!!

I'm crying with you...

 

[SleepyOwl]

I'm so upset and mad at myself! The momma chicken killed the duckling! Why didn;t I just leave it in the incubator or bring it inside to dry out! I cannot believe she killed the poor little thing! I am so sad! Poor, poor little baby! Rest In Peace Little One.

Oh no, how sad!