Candling turkey and duck eggs in a homemade kerosene lantern incubator

[lazy gardener]

Sometimes too much heat will increase aggression. I've not brooded poults before, but chickens need about 90* the first couple of days, then you can decrease it gradually, based on their behavior.

 

[HelenAbim]

Congrats on your hatch, Helen. Do you have access to the medication you need to treat your malaria?

Yes I do. It's just that I am already resistant to the common malaria meds. Having malaria here is like having the flu. It's so common because the weather and even people make for favorable conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.

 

[HelenAbim]

Sometimes too much heat will increase aggression. I've not brooded poults before, but chickens need about 90* the first couple of days, then you can decrease it gradually, based on their behavior.

We are in "summer" now. The weather is hot but we do get our cold days like today because of the harmattan. The temperature is set at 36.8°C. I reduce it to 35.6°C during the day depending on how hot the weather is. I also adjust the wick of the lantern depending on if they cluster round (cold) or if they appear to be panting with beaks open and far away from the lantern(too hot). Even when they are cold, they still peck everything.

 

[WVduckchick]

This was a quick snapshot this morning. Sorry if it isn't clear. Still using a lantern to brood them in a box. The top of the box is open to allow the fumes pass. One of the turkeys is a bully. For some reason they seem to go crazy if I increase the heat or adjust the position of the lantern- they peck the lantern vigorously and even climb all over each other to do this. They peck at their wood shavings too although they can't eat it since the pieces are large. They peck my fingers too and almost everything they see and peck each other.

Oooh 3 different colors! Easy to tell the apart. Did you say what variety they are?

 

[BantyChooks]

None of the duck eggs hatched although 2 formed well. Only 4 out of 6 turkey eggs hatched. I was so ill and couldn't care for FLUFF properly. She died on Sunday despite my best efforts- drugs etc. The remaining 3 turkeys are doing fine. I didn't name them as I don't want to get too attached. The death of fluff broke me. I loved that turkey but then in farming we have to factor in some losses. The birds will be getting their first vaccine tomorrow morning.

I am so sorry

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

So sorry dear friends but I didn't give you an update on the hatch. Out of 6 fertile eggs, 4 hatched successfully.

Congratulations!

I was so ill and couldn't bring myself to post updates. I am better though and will keep you updated on the progress of the birds. Thank you all for the input.

So sorry you've been sick, and happy you're feeling better!

None of the duck eggs hatched although 2 formed well. Only 4 out of 6 turkey eggs hatched. I was so ill and couldn't care for FLUFF properly. She died on Sunday despite my best efforts- drugs etc. The remaining 3 turkeys are doing fine. I didn't name them as I don't want to get too attached. The death of fluff broke me. I loved that turkey but then in farming we have to factor in some losses. The birds will be getting their first vaccine tomorrow morning.

They can be a lot of work when you're not sick, and you've been sick. You've done a great job.

This was a quick snapshot this morning. Sorry if it isn't clear. Still using a lantern to brood them in a box. The top of the box is open to allow the fumes pass. One of the turkeys is a bully. For some reason they seem to go crazy if I increase the heat or adjust the position of the lantern- they peck the lantern vigorously and even climb all over each other to do this. They peck at their wood shavings too although they can't eat it since the pieces are large. They peck my fingers too and almost everything they see and peck each other.

Such cuties! Thank you for the pic.

 

[HelenAbim]

Oooh 3 different colors! Easy to tell the apart. Did you say what variety they are?

I only know that the poults are a hybrid. Not so sure which species. I just wanted turkeys and bought the eggs. I will find out from the farmer who sold the eggs to me.
Of the 32 turkey eggs sold to me, 23 were infertile. 2 were bad even before I set them and I had to throw them away. 1 went bad for in the incubator and 6 were fertile of which 4 hatched. The eggs were returned to the farmer. I will see him next week for my refund or from day old poults.

 

[HelenAbim]

The poults got their first set of vaccines today. They will get another one on Friday. They are doing well and eating and drinking more now. They are very noisy though.
I have made arrangements for their care. I am off for a much needed rest and mini vacation next week. Will be back in time to continue my wedding plans.
Thanks for your care and concern everyone.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

I only know that the poults are a hybrid. Not so sure which species. I just wanted turkeys and bought the eggs. I will find out from the farmer who sold the eggs to me.
Of the 32 turkey eggs sold to me, 23 were infertile. 2 were bad even before I set them and I had to throw them away. 1 went bad for in the incubator and 6 were fertile of which 4 hatched. The eggs were returned to the farmer. I will see him next week for my refund or from day old poults.

That's great he will refund you!

The poults got their first set of vaccines today. They will get another one on Friday. They are doing well and eating and drinking more now. They are very noisy though.
I have made arrangements for their care. I am off for a much needed rest and mini vacation next week. Will be back in time to continue my wedding plans.
Thanks for your care and concern everyone.

Awesome, you definitely need and deserve some down time. And with a wedding to plan I hope you take full advantage of this upcoming vacation!

 

[lazy gardener]

Helen, congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!