Chic Chick 'Bator *UPDATED*

[mommabird]

What a great idea! I was thinking of getting the kids an incubator for Christmas but now I'm thinking this would be a fun family project instead.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

oh I suggest it! So easy and AWESOME to do with the kiddos!!! PICS PICS WE WANT PICS!!!

 

[Indigosands]

What a great idea! I was thinking of getting the kids an incubator for Christmas but now I'm thinking this would be a fun family project instead.

Yes it was so easy! My kids loved it. FYI I don't know if anyone mentioned it but in Home depot they have already cut "replacement" glasses for picture frames and also plexiglass. I got a huge piece for less than a frame would have cost me. All my kids could watch when they were hatching.

oh I suggest it! So easy and AWESOME to do with the kiddos!!! PICS PICS WE WANT PICS!!!

Love yours! I did use a lot of the info from the coolerbator guy, he's awesome! I don't need a bigger bator though, that'd be trouble. LOL

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: it is already trouble here!! LOL its OVERFLOWING and I have some sitting on top of others

My only problem is identifying the chicks as they hatch!!! I have so much trouble and finding I have to keep them all until I can tell who is who for SURE!!! any suggestions?

 

[Indigosands]

Well obviously this is my first hatch. But I read on here of another lady putting food coloring on the vent of her hens so she could identify if she was laying. I bet different colors would take the guess work out of it if that is what you mean. Then just divvy up the brooder into sections with dividers or containers so that each hen's clutch is together until you can mark or band them.

That's something I've been meaning to ask (re: full brooders and stacking), my chicks were hatching and kicking other poor chicks who were only pipped or just starting to zip around like ping--pong balls and I couldn't help. How does anyone keep things stable if you don't have a turner or prefer not to use one? And how does stacking eggs work out? I've noticed mine need a little room as they zip and push their way out.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I read through this entire thread

... I am going the cooler bater route i think.... and with 2 lights and a wafer thermostat. I have several old coolers so i just need the hardware. I want something to hold up and last a few years, but i dont want to drop $150 on a pre-made one. I don't see Miss Prissy on anymore

I hope she is well, I have followed many of her wonderful threads. Wanted to thank everyone that contributed!

I feel very confident about hatching now! I started with half grown chicks last spring, i really believe hand raising from the beginning will make a huge difference with next year's flock.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I read through this entire thread

... I am going the cooler bater route i think.... and with 2 lights and a wafer thermostat. I have several old coolers so i just need the hardware. I want something to hold up and last a few years, but i dont want to drop $150 on a pre-made one. I don't see Miss Prissy on anymore

I hope she is well, I have followed many of her wonderful threads. Wanted to thank everyone that contributed!

I feel very confident about hatching now! I started with half grown chicks last spring, i really believe hand raising from the beginning will make a huge difference with next year's flock.

Oh I will love to see what you come up with! Post pics!! Harmony has her second hatch in the bator now along with all my eggs, we counted well over 67 in it including 7 duck eggs for the NYDHatchalong.... Good Luck!!! What breeds will u hatch?

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Oh I will love to see what you come up with! Post pics!! Harmony has her second hatch in the bator now along with all my eggs, we counted well over 67 in it including 7 duck eggs for the NYDHatchalong.... Good Luck!!! What breeds will u hatch?

I am switching over to Australorp and Orpington. Deciding what breeder to go thru now. the JC Hinks line of orps are just beautiful, but still looking for the lorps... I want a docile Large bird, that will be friendly and easy to handle. I may get a few jersey giants too

. Hoping to get my hardware this weekend.

 

[gabrielle1976]

I have only had my small breeds over here but I have read that lorps while good layers and all aroud chickens are not actually as friendly and calm as the orps are so maybe look at the reviews here on this sight and others maybe?

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: I dont have either : ( But I cant have all of the breeds! hmmmm or can I? he he he