Consolidated Kansas

[Tarja]

DH has been reading on incubator building, so he says that is his weekend project. I think it sounds like fun the more I look. Thank you everyone!

 

[Hawkeye95]

Tarja- that sounds like a blast to make one! Good luck and post lots of pics when you get it done! I wanna see!!! ha!

So I found out my two new birds are not related at all. The lady keeps records on each line and has done so for years! So that's good news.

I had a heck of a night last night at my committee meeting for the church. I decided to quit after that and I just don't need extra stress in my life. One person ran out crying and the rest of them were furious. I ended up walking out too. There were a flurry of emails after everyone else got home, but I refused to answer any of them until I have time to calm down. They are all worried I will quit--- well too stinkin' bad. There was ONE lady there that was just plain evil and awful and I nearly let her have it, but I decided part way thru her tirade that I wasn't going to listen to anymore and left. I've been on that committee for 6 years and never experienced anything like that. ANYWAY.... I need me some serious happiness going on today to counteract that. LOL!! I'm hoping to work on the coop and I'm praying for some progress!!

Of course, nothing will get done until I do my morning chaotic Preschool run. I am planning on getting me a fix at my favorite coffee joint and going to spring for the extras in my cup. (extra cream anyone??) Sigh.

 

[chicken danz]

rittert, you can always go to the library to use the internet for free.
Tarja, I don't remember where you said you live. I do sell mixed hatching eggs for $3 a dozen. There are almost always a good percentage of purebred chicks in there. And it would be all the kinds you are interested in except the orpingtons. Could also have a polish or a wyandotte mixed in as well though. Or you could put an add on Craigslist under farm and garden and say you want to get a dozen fertile eggs for the kids to hatch. (People will often give you better eggs if they think a kid is involved.)
Shipped eggs are awful. Unless you know the person you are buying from, I've found that people that sell them often send you mixed eggs or old eggs. I started trying to increase breeds by buying shipped eggs and it was a total mess. Also the hatchability is usually down. I honestly think a lot of it has to do with the eggs you start out with as well as how they are packed. I have shipped eggs to my daughter in Texas and packed them carefully and she has had a 90% hatch rate. But I have never gotten that kind of hatch from ones I bought on line. I also have at least that good hatching percentage and often 100% rate here.
Tell your husband if he makes a homemade incubator to be sure to spend the money to buy a computer type fan that runs on 110v or a small AC operated personal fan if he is building a larger box. With the design that most people use the temperature fluctuates too much before the thermostat kicks on or off. If you have a fan, it keeps the heat more even. This is extremely important. Spend $7 at Walmart and buy a little digital thermometer that also shows humidity. Also be sure to have a place for a humidity pan.
These things may seem unimportant but if you want a good hatch they are vital when you build your incubator. Then don't rush it. Monitor the incubator for several days and make sure it stays on a fairly consistent 99.5 degrees. You never want anything over 102 or under 98 for a successful hatch. It takes time for the cabinet and everything to stabilize in temperature.
Hatching is miraculous. After several thousand chicks I am still thrilled with each and every new baby. I have a see through door on my hatcher just so I can watch them hatch.

 

[ChooksChick]

I absolutely agree- I spend a fortune on my feed because of the micronutrients and digestible protein content I *KNOW* they are getting and thus putting into the eggs. The eggs are tall and firm when cracked, with the yolks nearly keeping a tall, round shape that defies gravity. This is how much of a difference the hen's nutrition matters to the quality of the egg, and thus the chicks.

When I buy eggs that will be shipped, I ask about feed and how the eggs will be packed. It makes all the difference in the world.

 

[chicken danz]

You are right on Chooks. Feed makes a huge difference. I use my own mix which changes slightly with the seasons and my birds mostly free range all day. Other than current molting going on, I can honestly say compared to most birds I see at shows, swaps, and auctions, mine are 10 times shinier and healthier looking. That also might have a lot to do with my high hatch rate, although I like to think I've learned what makes hatching a success. (Pat myself on the back!)
Well today starts the downhill count. I have to leave soon to go get my pre-op done. Sounds like the weather is also doing the downhill count. Yuk! It sure plays heck with my plans to get a lot done this week. I refuse to stand out and work in the cold!
I have got to get a multitude of plants moved to the basement. I've had them in the greenhouse but it's not setting in a permanent spot and I have no heat to it so they have to go inside.

 

[checoukan]

Tarja- watch craigslist too, I have been seeing a lot of incubators listed for sale. Some are styrofoam, and some are cabinets. If you would happen to buy a used incubator, besure and disinfect if with something like Tec-trol. If you have bacteria in the bator, you can have some bad trouble.

 

[checoukan]

danz- hope everything with this up-coming surgery goes well. Hard time of the year to have surgery, but if it will help you, and I am sure it will, a person can put up with just about anything if they want too. Its hard thou, depending on people to help is hard too, cause, well everybody has their own way of doing things. Hope you are back up in no time at all.

 

[Trish44]

Danz, I hope your surgery goes well & you're on your feet soon. I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers.

 

[chicken danz]

That's very sweet of all of you. I make myself get right back up and going. I've found I heal better that way. I've had so many surgeries I don't get all freaky about them. I just want to be sure my birds and pets are cared for properly while I can't do it.
As long as my chickens and stuff are cared for I think I will enjoy a little break.

 

[checoukan]

Does anybody know of anyone who would have a Pilgram gander for sale? I lost my gander, and I really need one for my goose, she has the other ducks out there, but she is still missing her mate. Pm if you know of some one. Thanks!