Diary & Notes ~ Air Cell Detatched SHIPPED Chicken Eggs for incubation and hatching

[ozexpat]

So I'm considering trying something, and it's probably a bad idea but I only have three chicken eggs left that haven't hatched in the incubator and once those are done I really want to try hatching more eggs. The only problem is I don't have any eggs to put in the bator. So... I'm thinking about trying some of the free range, cage free, and organic eggs from Wal Mart. I know, I know, none of those things mean that the eggs will be fertile, and the refrigeration and age could make the eggs useless for hatching, but hey why not. I don't have any more than ten dollars in 48 eggs, and if I can hatch one chick out of those 48, I'll consider that a success. My plan is to break open eggs out of each dozen to check for fertility, and if I find a fertile egg I'll place the rest of that carton into the incubator. I'll continue this process until I'm out of eggs or I find a fertile egg. If I find fertile eggs great, if not my wife says we can eat omelets, and every other food that she can think of that requires eggs for the next three or four days, that way this project won't be a total waist. I really don't have high hopes for the eggs but I bought four different types from Wal Mart, and each one comes from a different farm, so maybe, just maybe one of these farms had a rogue rooster running around. I know people have had some success using trader joes, and whole foods eggs, but has anyone ever tried Wal Mart eggs, and if so what was your experience with them?

unless they actually say fertile on the packaging dont waste your time

I have hatched trader joes and whole foods fertile eggs that have been refrigerated 18 days.

 

[chicksooner]

Is it bad that I've got 7 days left on one hatch 14 on another and I'm planning my next hatch? I REALLY REALLY want some HRIR's anybody know where I can get some eggs? I love the one single one I have. She literally crawls into my lap for treats. I think I need a few more. I also think I need some more Buff Orpingtons.

What are your favorites? Where did you find hatching eggs ( if you did). And why do you like them?

QUESTION: Upon gathering eggs today I had 15... I didn't gather yesterday so I expected a decent number... Problem? I only have 7 hens. Is it possible for a hen to lay twice?

QUESTION 2: Three eggs had dents... looked like a pip. I am assuming one of the hens pecked them. Is there a reason why they would peck at their own eggs? A deficiency?

Question 1. sure might be possible.

Question 2. how small are your nest boxes and it is possible they are crowding them. I have 3 big girls that always want the 1 smallest box and will squeeze 2 big bottoms in it. Problem with that is they were stepping on the eggs and their nails were cracking the shell. Looks like a pip mark. So I removed the little box and they have no other choice but to make use of the nice big pink basket. This was only a problem when I left eggs instead of collecting regularly.

 

[chicksooner]

1 last lonely chick trying to hatch. I assisted the other and this one I may have waited too long to assist. Not sure it will make it.

 

[silver1313]

1 last lonely chick trying to hatch. I assisted the other and this one I may have waited too long to assist. Not sure it will make it.

aww i hope it does !! my batch ones are in lockdown with no pip the batch twos join them tommorow night !!

 

[Waffle]

Well I know its not a chick but I figured you guys would find it as exciting as me. My friend called in a panic as her dogs were about to attack this little fella. He isn't very old and I'm not holding my breath on servival but I will give it my best shot. He did just take a tiny bit of kitten replacement formula so fingers crossed he makes the night

 

[Doug Hodges]

72653

 

[sumi]

Well I know its not a chick but I figured you guys would find it as exciting as me. My friend called in a panic as her dogs were about to attack this little fella. He isn't very old and I'm not holding my breath on servival but I will give it my best shot. He did just take a tiny bit of kitten replacement formula so fingers crossed he makes the night

What is it? A bat?

 

[sumi]

1 last lonely chick trying to hatch. I assisted the other and this one I may have waited too long to assist. Not sure it will make it.

 

[sumi]

QUESTION: Upon gathering eggs today I had 15... I didn't gather yesterday so I expected a decent number... Problem? I only have 7 hens. Is it possible for a hen to lay twice?

QUESTION 2: Three eggs had dents... looked like a pip. I am assuming one of the hens pecked them. Is there a reason why they would peck at their own eggs? A deficiency?

Q1: Yes, it happens sometimes. My grandparents had a hen that would sneak into their bedroom to lay her eggs on their bed, twice a day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Q2: Hens stand up when they lay and drop the egg a short distance. It's possible that the eggs landed on the other eggs already in the box and that's why are are cracked. Sometimes hens do peck at the eggs, but if they break the shells they will likely carry on and eat it too. If you are feeding them layer food they should be fine for nutrients.

 

[sumi]

THIS IS A CHECKIN TO SAY I miss you guys, I will try to get some time to get on tomorrow.

Glad to see your all holding down the fort!

I will have to search for Silvers summaries this time around for sure!

I miss my chicken family : (

I hope you get things sorted! PM me update when you get a moment?

I see Silver posted her summary just below you They are handy for sure!

Thinking of you, girl!