Barnyard Surprises

[RUNuts]

Has the flashlight arrived yet?

No. Amazon isn't open yet.

 

[Kiki]

No. Amazon isn't open yet.

Walmart is.

 

[RUNuts]

Candle with new super duper flashlight. Started smoking the duck tape on the light focuser. Oops.

All looked the same. Dark disc in top 3rd of eggs. No veins even in white ones.

Pulled cracked egg out & opened. No veins.

Added quail eggs. I’ve either got 39 developing or not.

 

[RUNuts]

Quick check. Day 6.
2 with spider veins.
3 without.
Tomorrow, we candle & pull clears.

Big egg & small egg alive.
White egg, med & small showing nothing in rack #1.

 

[MROO]

View attachment 1758894 View attachment 1758895
So based on this and my research of chicken math, my goal is 5 new layers. Having a stated goal is important, I tell the kids this.
Expect 50% pullets, so set at least 10 eggs.
Expect 50% infertile based on last years results which are probably invalid, but it is a start. Therefore, set 20 eggs.
Expect 50% somethings because this is my first go with chicken eggs, ergo set 40 eggs.

Since the HovaBator holds 42, this is a good assumption. Someone check my chicken math to make sure I'm doing this correctly.

LOVE the Chicken Math logic! Now, just in case Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame) decides to exercise his twisted sense of humor ... whatcha gonna do with 42 chickens?

 

[RUNuts]

I’m gonna pet them ‘n squeeze them ‘n hug them ‘n call them George. (Who remembers that episode?)

Seriously, one step at a time. I’ve already got one person claiming “extras”. Got a culinary plan for everything. This is magic & oh! so exciting!

Crazy Lady has already threatened to name one. So I’m being careful.

 

[muddy75]

my problem with hatching chicks is that i always get 75+ percent cockerels!! Hodor and both my silkie crosses are looking to be boys!! you have better luck!!

 

[RUNuts]

my problem with hatching chicks is that i always get 75+ percent cockerels!! Hodor and both my silkie crosses are looking to be boys!! you have better luck!!

Remember, the stated goal is 5 hens for the flock. The remaining, unclaimed, will go to first crow and then gumbo! It is magic! I'm not raising CX this year, so between quail and extras, I hope to be covered. Cockerels will be welcomed. This is the first time I'm hatching chickens.

40 eggs started means at least 10 hens with 75% cockerels. I'm good with that.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

No. Amazon isn't open yet.

Wait! How is amazon closed!?

 

[RUNuts]

Incubator is now dry. Holding 35-42% humidity just from ambient. 80% outside and in the 60% range inside. Will watch, but don't expect to add water until lock down and even then, will use the smallest trough to nudge it towards 55% humidity.

The largest egg candled last night was in the holder with air cell down. This is one of the larger eggs with rounded ends. The flashlight I used to start didn't show an air cell. The fact it showed spider veins is encouraging to me.

Note to self. Just because one end looks a little pointier than the other, confirm air cell locations.