Complete Newby, just received my eggs.

[Pelops]

I'm an English expat living in Bulgaria for the past 6 years. I've been interested in keeping chickens for a few years but have just decided to take the step.

Today, I received 30 eggs to hatch from a Bulgarian breeder in the Free Ads here, 10 each of Blue Copper Marans, Swedish Isbar (Silverudd’s Blue) and
Westfälischer Totleger (Deathlayer).
They'll be going into the incubator tomorrow morning after 24 hours.
I've got a few questions, if anyone can help.
1) All but one egg arrived safely. Unfortunately, one Deathlayer was cracked, so I opened it to check - there's a little white spot and a darker patch in the yolk. I'm hoping it shows it was fertilised.

2) I'd read that the Silverudd’s Blue chicken lays large eggs for its size but the eggs I received are small at around 47 grams each. Is this normal, or have I bought bantam eggs?

3) I've read to keep the humidity down for the Marans eggs. As they're all going into the incubator at the same time, what's the best suggestion for humidity?

I've had it running for a week and currently have it quite steady at 26, using a small sponge but I've read this will raise when the eggs are added. - Is this around the ball park, or am I out much?

4) I understand the three breeds I've chosen are quite rare in the US, they are too here in Bulgaria.
This is a photo of the breeders Deathlayers. Have I chosen wisely?

Thanks in advance xx

 

[Pelops]

Sorry, here's the photo of my eggs, also a photo of the breeders deathlayers

 

[Noraaaaa]

I'm an English expat living in Bulgaria for the past 6 years. I've been interested in keeping chickens for a few years but have just decided to take the step.

Today, I received 30 eggs to hatch from a Bulgarian breeder in the Free Ads here, 10 each of Blue Copper Marans, Swedish Isbar (Silverudd’s Blue) and
Westfälischer Totleger (Deathlayer).
They'll be going into the incubator tomorrow morning after 24 hours.

Good idea to run it 24 hours!

I've got a few questions, if anyone can help.
1) All but one egg arrived safely. Unfortunately, one Deathlayer was cracked, so I opened it to check - there's a little white spot and a darker patch in the yolk. I'm hoping it shows it was fertilised.
View attachment 4059784

It doesnt look fertile. When they are it will show a "bullseye" in the white area.

2) I'd read that the Silverudd’s Blue chicken lays large eggs for its size but the eggs I received are small at around 47 grams each. Is this normal, or have I bought bantam eggs?

Usually they are 50-65 grams. So 47 seams a little low, but not bad. bantam eggs are usually about 30-40 grams.

3) I've read to keep the humidity down for the Marans eggs. As they're all going into the incubator at the same time, what's the best suggestion for humidity?

48-55%

I've had it running for a week and currently have it quite steady at 26, using a small sponge but I've read this will raise when the eggs are added. - Is this around the ball park, or am I out much?

What incubator do you have? Usually, you can pour water into it.

4) I understand the three breeds I've chosen are quite rare in the US, they are too here in Bulgaria.
This is a photo of the breeders Deathlayers. Have I chosen wisely?

The Marans are what i would call common and I like them. The other two are definitely rare. It may be hard to keep them, but im sure it will pay off!

For your picture, it could just be me, but it seems as if they are not in a great area. They seam cramped and the coop is dirty. The birds look healthy, but not the best feathering.

Thanks in advance xx

 

[Pelops]

I bought the incubator used. It's a Chinese HHD 32S.
It's a very bad design and not easy to clean (it took me 2 hours), as you have to disassemble the internal parts as they're all attached below the egg turner's.

I have calibrated it correctly using a separate thermometer /hydro meter. The temperature is running at 37.7C which I believe is good.

Beggers can't be choosers I'm afraid. There's not much choice in incubators here in Bulgaria, they're either cheap Chinese, or professional industrial models which are beyond expensive.

 

[Pelops]

You're right that the coop looks a little delapidated but Bulgaria is like stepping back 30 years, which I love.

Most chicken owners keep their birds in 50yr old brick built outbuildings, which were originally made for livestock and built in Socialist times, alongside their village house.

Many kept a variety of livestock, including pigs, chickens and either a goat or cow for milk.

In the villages, it's normal to free-range your birds. Most properties have around 1/4 to 1/2 an acre of land (I have one full acre), so the out buildings can be a bit dilapidated but the animals aren't confined, they're just used to overnight the birds.

In my village, I have both a local goat herder and cow hand, who (if you own either), will take your animals out to pasture for the day, all for very little money.

Compared to the west, it's like stepping back 30 years. Big business has not yet captured the market and there's far more dependence on self sufficiency.

Yes, animal husbandry may seem poor but in general, it's far above what more richer (and supposedly progressive) Countries have adopted.

In truth, it's a wonderful place to live, especially if you want natural, unadulterated food, with the minimum of additives and chemicals. You just have to accept the trade off, which is more than acceptable under the circumstances.

 

[Island Coppers]

Might be a bit tricky, Marans eggs do best with the humidity rather low because they lose moisture more slowly than other eggs. I've had good hatch rate with 30% to 40% humidity. If it stays at 26% that will be fine for the Marans but the other eggs might lose more weight than ideal. You want the air sac to be just the right size at lock down. I'll attach a chart I've found helpful. Best of luck

 

[horselover1999]

I just had a 100% hatch rate with 30-35% humidity. Good luck!

 

[Pelops]

Might be a bit tricky, Marans eggs do best with the humidity rather low because they lose moisture more slowly than other eggs. I've had good hatch rate with 30% to 40% humidity. If it stays at 26% that will be fine for the Marans but the other eggs might lose more weight than ideal. You want the air sac to be just the right size at lock down. I'll attach a chart I've found helpful. Best of luckView attachment 4060482

Thank you!