Adventures in Incubating Shipped Eggs

[redranger209]

I got my first shipped order, it’s ancona duck eggs. Arrived in great condition, four out of seven loose air cells, one looks scrambled, might as well give it a go.

 

[redranger209]

Pic

 

[Morrigan]

This has been one of the most interesting and informative threads. Since my first shipped hatch of peafowl was only 25% successful I went a different route. I was fortunate to win an eBay auction for 4 eggs from a fella only 65 miles from me. I drove up this morning and he gave me the grand tour of his peacock sanctuary. Impressive and gave me so many ideas for additions to my own. He even gave me 2 extra eggs and had them each marked from which pen they came. He says he doesn't begin to sell until he confirm fertility. Showed me his incubators and his latest hatched chicks. So with a safe and secure journey home they will rest overnight and go in the incubator tomorrow. I have another batch from N.J. due to go into lockdown Wednesday and hopefully a good hatch Saturday. I'm a happy broody hen today!!

That's fantastic. Looking forward to hearing how the hatch goes.

 

[Cerise1924]

I might just get back on the hatching train!
I decided against the rare and showy Pavlovskayas, since they are poor layers. I donate extra eggs to neighbours and a food bank, so good laying is important in my hens.

I've contacted an eBay seller to see if he'll put together a mix for me of Buff Brahmas, Dominiques, Speckled Sussex and maybe Isabella Leghorns.

My eight chickies are playing out in the run today, and should be able to permanently move outside by the time another batch of chicks needs the brooder.

BTW, my red reptile 75 watt bulb exploded! No injuries, and my second brooder has the Titan Electric Hen (like the Ecoglow), so I moved the little ones into it in a hurry. Glad that happened when I was home. I'm never using a heat lamp again, not even a low wattage one.

 

[Morrigan]

I might just get back on the hatching train!
I decided against the rare and showy Pavlovskayas, since they are poor layers. I donate extra eggs to neighbours and a food bank, so good laying is important in my hens.

I've contacted an eBay seller to see if he'll put together a mix for me of Buff Brahmas, Dominiques, Speckled Sussex and maybe Isabella Leghorns.

My eight chickies are playing out in the run today, and should be able to permanently move outside by the time another batch of chicks needs the brooder.

BTW, my red reptile 75 watt bulb exploded! No injuries, and my second brooder has the Titan Electric Hen (like the Ecoglow), so I moved the little ones into it in a hurry. Glad that happened when I was home. I'm never using a heat lamp again, not even a low wattage one.

I've always had a few Speckled Sussex in my flock and they are great birds. Curious, calm, friendly and hardy.

Scary about the heat lamp. I'm with you; I'm never going there again.

 

[Cerise1924]

I've always had a few Speckled Sussex in my flock and they are great birds. Curious, calm, friendly and hardy.

Scary about the heat lamp. I'm with you; I'm never going there again.

Good to know about the Speckled Sussex. I'd heard good things, and I'm happy to know your experience has been so positive. Hope I get some!

 

[ldawntaylor]

@redranger209 you might want to take a closer look at your post 1008.

The things that get typed unintentionally....

 

[redranger209]

Whoops.. Fixed.

 

[Zinjifrah]

Whoops.. Fixed.

Aww... I figured you were predicting personality before they hatched!

 

[redranger209]

Aww... I figured you were predicting personality before they hatched!

Hahahaha