BYC's 2025 Spooktacular Halloween Hatch-Along

[redinator]

After an hour of running, one of the incubators humidity won't go below 50%, even with the vent fully closed. It's this one: https://a.co/d/0ObPtmO the one I had trouble with the egg turner a minute ago.

It might be good for a traditional hatch, but since I plan to consolidate the eggs after candling I need the humidity of all the incubators to be close. The other 3 are sitting at ~20% humidity.

 

[redinator]

Now that I'm down to three incubators I'm rethinking my plan.

Initially I was gonna start with the 'oldest' eggs (less than two weeks old). Now I'm thinking it might be best to start with the largest eggs, since larger eggs tend to take longer to hatch, at least in experience.

The larger eggs are from my BO Buffy and BYM Pot. I only got 3 chicks from 15 of Pot's eggs the last hatch and Buffy wasn't laying then.

I have a total of 12 eggs from these two girls, the rest are from the RIRs, or at least I think they are, lol.

Thoughts?

 

[ChickenChick46]

You could start them in the tote, then move them to the brooder when the current residents get evicted.

Yes, you should listen to the crazy lady with 50 chickens in the yard and trying too hatch 30 more. (don't listen, she's psycho)

I might be a lost cause already, so that's okay.

 

[ChickenChick46]

Now that I'm down to three incubators I'm rethinking my plan.

Initially I was gonna start with the 'oldest' eggs (less than two weeks old). Now I'm thinking it might be best to start with the largest eggs, since larger eggs tend to take longer to hatch, at least in experience.

The larger eggs are from my BO Buffy and BYM Pot. I only got 3 chicks from 15 of Pot's eggs the last hatch and Buffy wasn't laying then.

I have a total of 12 eggs from these two girls, the rest are from the RIRs, or at least I think they are, lol.

Thoughts?

That sounds good to me. But what do I really know? Lol.

 

[redinator]

Funny thing is I forgot I wasn't in my own thread for all that 'data'

 

[ella2025]

Setting eggs tomorrow! I labeled with weight and breed of hen, my rooster is a splash ameraucana. Candled for hairline cracks, only 13 has some so I smothered it with nail polish. We got 3 silkie eggs, 3 speckled Sussex, 2 buff orpungton, 2 Brahma and 7 ee. I'm gonna start running the incubator today! How are your eggs doing @redinator @gimmie birdies

Is this the official hatch along or is there another one that I need to be added to?

See you tomorrow everybody!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Setting eggs tomorrow! I labeled with weight and breed of hen, my rooster is a splash ameraucana. Candled for hairline cracks, only 13 has some so I smothered it with nail polish. We got 3 silkie eggs, 3 speckled Sussex, 2 buff orpungton, 2 Brahma and 7 ee. I'm gonna start running the incubator today! How are your eggs doing @redinator @gimmie birdies

Is this the official hatch along or is there another one that I need to be added to?

See you tomorrow everybody!
View attachment 4230082

This is the official BYC hatch along. Looks like a nice variety. Good luck with your hatch.

 

[redinator]

Setting eggs tomorrow! I labeled with weight and breed of hen, my rooster is a splash ameraucana. Candled for hairline cracks, only 13 has some so I smothered it with nail polish. We got 3 silkie eggs, 3 speckled Sussex, 2 buff orpungton, 2 Brahma and 7 ee. I'm gonna start running the incubator today! How are your eggs doing @redinator @gimmie birdies

Is this the official hatch along or is there another one that I need to be added to?

See you tomorrow everybody!
View attachment 4230082

They're ready to go! Incubators are set up. Good luck with your hatch!

 

[redinator]

I've decided I'll only be setting the 13 eggs from 2 of my girls; my BYM, Pot and my BO, Buffy; in one incubator and letting it run for the full 21 days. I'll keep a second running on standby in case there's an issue with the first incubator.

The reason Taz was culled and the RIRs were traded was due to issues with temperament and behavior. There's a chance the chicks will be from Taz, but a combination of two ill-tempered parents isn't likely to result in a chick I'd keep around for long, especially the males.

I'm sure there will be other hatch-alongs this holiday season. I don't need to hatch them all at once.

 

[ChickenChick46]

That sounds interesting could you send a picture/link? I'm currently using this as a brooder https://www.chewy.com/coziwow-collapsible-small-pet-hutch/dp/579726 with washable rugs under it.

Absolutely! It's this-

https://a.co/d/7OKSHJV

It's only $40, and it just pops up by pulling from the top and then pressing down to lock the top. After my last batch, I scooped the shavings into a trash bag to carry to the compost easily. Then I took the whole thing outside and hosed it down and sprayed it with vinegar. I scrubbed any spots that needed it and let it dry in the sun. It was really easy to do, and it dried fast.