Breeding, incubating, hatching.....where to start?

[moetrout]

Alright, so going with an incubator was really my first thought and I think I'll still plan for that.

Incubator suggestions? I am just a backyard flock here and I really just want to try something new for next year. In the back of my mind I'm thinking a $200 budget for one. What could I get?

Given the flock I described, what eggs would you incubate? I only have the EE roo. The EE roo with EE hens is a given. I thought the EE roo with my Black Copper Marans might make for an interesting combo. Maybe get a dark olive egg that way?

If this goes well next year I could easily section off my coup and have 2 separate flocks and roos. After visiting the BCM breed for my chicks this last spring it really made me think I should have planned out my flock better. I could see how that guy could make a little money selling a "not so common" breed and have fun doing it. I have plenty of space and already have a good brooder, grow out pen and a coup for the adults.

 

[saladin]

Check out your local farmer's bulletin or Trader. That is where you'll probably find the best deal.

As to what to hatch, that is your call. I'm a rare/standard breeder; so, you wouldn't like my answer based on what you have. lol.

 

[moetrout]

Well I think I kind of know what you might say, but let me hear it anyway. This is my way of testing the waters on this to see if I want to do more. If it goes well we have talked about getting a BCM roo for our BCM hens. So hearing from a breeder like yourself would be helpful too. What breeds do you work with?