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

[ronott1]

Well, I have 11 chicks in the brooder, one half out of the shell in the hatcher, three with pips, and two that haven't started yet. Have I mentioned that I LOVE my Sportsman?

Congrats!

Woot! We need pictures!

Yes!

Pictures Please!

 

[MontanaDolphin]

Are you keeping them inside? If so, screen is fine as long as it will keep predators out.

This is one of my inside predators:

Yes, they will be inside. I'm putting the brooder box in the den, which is where humans spend a lot of time...that way someone will almost always be in there at the same time as the pets (dogs and cats). I'm thinking of blocking off the brooder, anyway, just to be safe. We have two 7 month old kittens who are curious about everything. They chase my chickens outside. Then I have a dog, as well as my mom's two dogs...mine will be fine with the chicks, she was last year. But my mom's St. Bernard is another story. She wouldn't hurt them deliberately, but she wants to play with everyone and everything. I'm worried about her size...especially the size of her paw...and it going through the screen! I don't have a choice though...I don't have any materials big enough to cover the brooder box except for screen, and I don't have the funds right now to go out and buy anything. I thought the huge box I had was going to work, so this one I'm building is a last minute emergency build!

Questions:

One of my hens laid these eggs. What is the cause of the lines and wrinkles? They are not cracked.


Egg One...



Egg Two...

Like another person said, my girls lay eggs like this too. Nothing to worry about.

 

[SunnySkies]

Well, survived the holidays! WHEW.

Now...anxiously awaiting to see what hatches. My eggs look awesome. But....SFH will die at lockdown so, so easily. BTDT about 20 times...

 

[Whoops]

whoa - how do you do the camera smiley?

ics:
ic:
ics
ic
ash:

waaaaa - I can't figure it out. sulk.

Anyway, congratulations on all the new chicks!

 

[Blarneyeggs]

Quote: My DH is pulling his hair out over the peeping chooks. Bummer. They'll be in the basement soon enough.

 

[LemonMeringue]

I found this thread a couple of week or so ago. I have been very busy, but have been able to read a few more pages today. We are not on the same schedule as most of you, but it is our first time with an incubator instead of a broody. So reading the posts and tips here have been helpful. Using a hov-a-bator. Tonight is day 6 for our egg-lets. Just a little thanks for all the info I have read that has been posted and for the what I am sure I will read in the rest of the posts

 

[Blarneyeggs]

Well, survived the holidays! WHEW.

Now...anxiously awaiting to see what hatches. My eggs look awesome. But....SFH will die at lockdown so, so easily. BTDT about 20 times...

I'm jealous! After I have my humungous family over tomorrow….I'll be over the hump. We will be away for New Years recovering from the family drama… YAY!!

 

[Nicky-the-witch]

Congratulations to all those who already have chickies - and fingers crossed for all you chickie Moms & Dads in waiting!!!

I can't wait to see all the photos of the chickie explosion due new years day!!!

 

[ronniewayne]

Montana Dolphin I would consider stapleing or taping cardboard over the screen . if you cats and maybe the dog cant see in they might be less prone to try to get the chicks. most not all St Bernards will not hurt the chicks at all. age would be one factor if she is still puppy less than 18 months or so I would keep her away . good luck I know you will do well with them.

 

[ronott1]

I found this thread a couple of week or so ago. I have been very busy, but have been able to read a few more pages today. We are not on the same schedule as most of you, but it is our first time with an incubator instead of a broody. So reading the posts and tips here have been helpful. Using a hov-a-bator. Tonight is day 6 for our egg-lets. Just a little thanks for all the info I have read that has been posted and for the what I am sure I will read in the rest of the posts

I hope you have a great hatch!