DECEMBER Hatch-A-Long!😊

[LapisLazuli]

What are wool hens?

I got this from this article:
Kick the Heat Lamp: Better, Safer, and Healthier Options to Heat Your Brooder

The Wool Hen is a fascinating type of homemade brooder 'heater' that uses no electricity whatsoever to keep your chicks warm, instead using their own body heat to keep them warm! The Wool Hen is basically a thickly insulated box stuffed with hanging strips of wool, fleece, or other highly insulating fabrics inside of it, which are warmed by the chick's own body heat and hold that heat around the chick as long as it is within the structure. As far as where it can be used, there are reports of using it outside in cooler temperatures, but no confirmation of the very coldest temps that chicks can handle when brooded with only a wool hen. I would strongly suggest reading up on Wool Hens and perhaps asking questions of those who have used them before deciding to use one in an outside brooder during colder temperatures. For starters, check out these two threads: one two

 

[BuckeyeFoodie]

I got this from this article:
Kick the Heat Lamp: Better, Safer, and Healthier Options to Heat Your Brooder

The Wool Hen is a fascinating type of homemade brooder 'heater' that uses no electricity whatsoever to keep your chicks warm, instead using their own body heat to keep them warm! The Wool Hen is basically a thickly insulated box stuffed with hanging strips of wool, fleece, or other highly insulating fabrics inside of it, which are warmed by the chick's own body heat and hold that heat around the chick as long as it is within the structure. As far as where it can be used, there are reports of using it outside in cooler temperatures, but no confirmation of the very coldest temps that chicks can handle when brooded with only a wool hen. I would strongly suggest reading up on Wool Hens and perhaps asking questions of those who have used them before deciding to use one in an outside brooder during colder temperatures. For starters, check out these two threads: one two

Interesting. I've never heard of something like that being used without a heat source like a heat mat because the problem with chicks is that they can't regulate their own body temps yet, so if they get too cold, they can't warm themselves back up. According to my limited understanding of thermodynamics, something like that that is just insulation but no heat will only work if the chicks aren't too cold in the first place.

This time around I personally am trying an infrared heat bulb designed for reptile cages, to allow for a natural day/night cycle. So far so good - it doesn't heat as large of an area as a traditional heat bulb, so I feel like it better simulates the diameter of heat they would get from a hen, as opposed to my entire brooder box bring at 90+ degrees.

 

[BuckeyeFoodie]

Wish me luck, I just attempted my first assist of a malpositioned chick. I inadvertently broke the membrane much higher than intended, so I'm worried about blood loss, but its been half an hour and the chick is still breathing, so fingers crossed!

I have noticed that so far it's eggs from my cuckoo hen that are malpositioning, so that's interesting...

 

[LapisLazuli]

I would use a heat lamp and the wool hen

 

[LapisLazuli]

Can I candle the eggs on day 20?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Can I candle the eggs on day 20?

Yes you can if they have not externally pipped yet. Best to do it without removing them from the incubator if you are able. Do it very quickly and carefully. I have done so many times!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Wish me luck, I just attempted my first assist of a malpositioned chick. I inadvertently broke the membrane much higher than intended, so I'm worried about blood loss, but its been half an hour and the chick is still breathing, so fingers crossed!

I have noticed that so far it's eggs from my cuckoo hen that are malpositioning, so that's interesting...

Crossing fingers with you! Good luck!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I got this from this article:
Kick the Heat Lamp: Better, Safer, and Healthier Options to Heat Your Brooder

The Wool Hen is a fascinating type of homemade brooder 'heater' that uses no electricity whatsoever to keep your chicks warm, instead using their own body heat to keep them warm! The Wool Hen is basically a thickly insulated box stuffed with hanging strips of wool, fleece, or other highly insulating fabrics inside of it, which are warmed by the chick's own body heat and hold that heat around the chick as long as it is within the structure. As far as where it can be used, there are reports of using it outside in cooler temperatures, but no confirmation of the very coldest temps that chicks can handle when brooded with only a wool hen. I would strongly suggest reading up on Wool Hens and perhaps asking questions of those who have used them before deciding to use one in an outside brooder during colder temperatures. For starters, check out these two threads: one two

I am not so sure about this. I agree with @BuckeyeFoodie that it will be difficult to ensure they have a sufficient temperature. Though you do mention that you will be using a heat lamp as well. I would make sure you check the temperature with a thermometer first. Personally I prefer brooder plates.

 

[LadyCraig]

Ugh! I think my only little Deathlayer embryo has quit on me. I haven’t seen any movement today, day 13. Anyone have eggs that are just inactive for a time? I assume there would be a little bit of activity....

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Ugh! I think my only little Deathlayer embryo has quit on me. I haven’t seen any movement today, day 13. Anyone have eggs that are just inactive for a time? I assume there would be a little bit of activity....

Well it is likely you are correct but you also could be wrong! Leave it in incubator at least until lockdown I would suggest!