A quesitons reguarding hatching one or two eggs

[SophieLain127]

We are still waiting on permits for our coop and chickens from the city. So we are probably buying chicks but my DD, who is 3, is super excited about hatching an egg. I was wondering what is the best way to hatch one or two eggs with out an expensive incubator. Also I know some animals the sex depends on the temp the eggs were kept out. Is that the same for chickens? We live in the city and our neighbors expressed that they don't mind hens but will complain if we have a roo.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chickenwhisperer123]

Sadly, There is no way to hatch JUST hens.

Im really not sure the best way to hatch just one or two. Maybe you could MAKE a small incubator?

 

[SophieLain127]

Thanks. I figured there wasn't but it was worth a try. My dad has a friend who raises to slaughter he volunteered to take any roos.

I'll have to do some research then to see about a small incubator. Maybe I can find something DD can help with.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

They have those small dome incubators that hold 3 eggs. A lot of teachers use them to show the class.
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/mini_dome_incubator.html
They aren't the best but for only one year, one hatch it'd work. Where would you get fertile eggs? Some folks bought Trader Joes Fertile eggs and they hatched...
Otherwise make a small cooler-bator. There are many designs on here...

 

[SophieLain127]

Last year there were tons of farmers selling then on Craigslist they were selling them for pretty cheap I was going to try a few of those.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

Well good that's one part handled...now you just have to decide if you are handy or want to buy a bator...

 

[SophieLain127]

Well I've been looking at everyone's bators and I've noticed that a lot of the components people have in theirs we have laying around the house. DH is a collector of stuff...lol. So I think once I figure out what to do I will go through his junk drawers and see what we have to work with. I know for sure we have tons of computer fans laying around.

Do you think a small but thick card board box would work? Obviously they would be moved once they are mobile since the box would be to small.

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

The styrofoam serves two purposes...holds humidity, box would absorb and maybe sag, eww, and holds heat, insulated so the outside temp changes don't make it go haywire. I'd go find a styro cooler at the pet store, feed store, or buy a tiny one at walmart...wish I could give you one, I've been collecting them in case my friends decide to make a bator...

 

[SophieLain127]

Okay I wasn't sure. I think we may have one in the garage (DH is a pack rat..LOL) If not I can always ask for one on freecylce or Craigslist there are always people giving away omaha steak ones.