5th Annual BYC New Year's Day 2014 Hatch-A-Long

[MMGerlinger]

I have a question for ya'll.....

I mostly have bantums. 2 bantum roosters (only one of which tries to mate with the other hens that I've seen). I also have one orphington (hen) and 2 Unknown (big like the orphington & red instead of yellow). The 2 big red ones, I'm pretty sure are roosters. I saw one of them trying to mate with one of the bantums.... Then the other red hen, started pecking at the one being mated with.... So, I guess my question is, will the bigger rooster hurt my bantums during the mating?? They leave the orphington alone, as she is higher in pecking order than these two.....

What do you all think? Should I try to find another one or two bigger hens for my 2 reds (in case they both turn out to be roosters)?? I'm considering bringing in some more hens for them to have because I want to keep them since I raised them since they were 2 days old and they are super friendly.

Also, if I decide to add hens, is there any recommendation on getting new hens? I want to avoid baby chicks this time of year... because we don't have any way to keep them heated and don't want to keep them inside again if we can avoid it.....

 

[roostereggs]

The fastest and likely most humane is to use a paper towel, zip lock bag and a pair of scissors.

gas sounds easy but they take a bit of time to die. They are dead in seconds with the scissors. The paper towel is so you do not have to see...

So sorry your chickies didn't make it!

 

[ronott1]

You can hatch grocery store eggs??? Tell me more!

Yes!

I am a member of the club!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...cery-store-egg-hatching-club-are-you-a-member

 

[ronott1]

I have a question for ya'll.....

I mostly have bantums. 2 bantum roosters (only one of which tries to mate with the other hens that I've seen). I also have one orphington (hen) and 2 Unknown (big like the orphington & red instead of yellow). The 2 big red ones, I'm pretty sure are roosters. I saw one of them trying to mate with one of the bantums.... Then the other red hen, started pecking at the one being mated with.... So, I guess my question is, will the bigger rooster hurt my bantums during the mating?? They leave the orphington alone, as she is higher in pecking order than these two.....

What do you all think? Should I try to find another one or two bigger hens for my 2 reds (in case they both turn out to be roosters)?? I'm considering bringing in some more hens for them to have because I want to keep them since I raised them since they were 2 days old and they are super friendly.

Also, if I decide to add hens, is there any recommendation on getting new hens? I want to avoid baby chicks this time of year... because we don't have any way to keep them heated and don't want to keep them inside again if we can avoid it.....

Nevada has a great local thread. They may be someone on their near Reno that has pullets or young hens for you.

 

[ronott1]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ronott1


The fastest and likely most humane is to use a paper towel, zip lock bag and a pair of scissors.

gas sounds easy but they take a bit of time to die. They are dead in seconds with the scissors. The paper towel is so you do not have to see...

So sorry your chickies didn't make it!

I have had to cull two chicks ever. It is rare but does happen and it is very sad.

Thanks!

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Quote: if you decide to hatch flat on the screen you may want to put down some cheap cabinet liner from target or the dollar store. It helps provide grip for the little chicks feet. And it makes cleanup much easier as most of the after hatch goo is stuck to the liner not the metal grate or bottom of your bater. I'm going to try the egg carton method this time around. But in the past I have laid them flat. I have had both good and bad results, can't really say it was the laying down as so much can change from one hatch to the next.

Culling chicks is not easy, most barn cats will happily do the dirty work of breaking the neck and disposing of the body.

Happy birthday and pictures of your candy eggs and cake sound great.

 

[roostereggs]

I've been sick all day.

In bed all day. Hoping it's just a 24 hr. bug. Tummy flu. Ugh!

Go away, germs!

It's Christmas!!!

 

[Nonyah Biz]

getting caught up on posts for today

and hoping it will make time go faster while im waiting on eggs to hatch but still have till next week ......

....

 

[Blarneyeggs]

So we locked down tonight, I wonder if anyone can tell me how in the world I'm going to distinguish between the Creole Orpingtons and Rhodebars when they hatch.... REALLY wish I had a basket or something to separate the eggs.

 

[ronott1]

So we locked down tonight, I wonder if anyone can tell me how in the world I'm going to distinguish between the Creole Orpingtons and Rhodebars when they hatch.... REALLY wish I had a basket or something to separate the eggs.

Tomato Baskets!