I'm planning to use the 'natural' method of egg hatching - a broody hen. I've never done this before and neither has she.... So it'll be a really interesting experience.
So I'm going to coordinate the 6 - 8 eggs with one of my gals and I've been reading and thinking about all the things which can go wrong... You know - the hen changes her mind and doesn't want to sit on them ... or whatever. So now I'm wondering if I need a back-up plan.
These eggs will be pretty special (Barred Hollands and Marans) and I really don't want to lose any that might be viable, so what is the least expensive way to set-up a back-up bator and/or brooder?
ps. I'm also looking for the best book on the topic...any suggestions?
So I'm going to coordinate the 6 - 8 eggs with one of my gals and I've been reading and thinking about all the things which can go wrong... You know - the hen changes her mind and doesn't want to sit on them ... or whatever. So now I'm wondering if I need a back-up plan.
These eggs will be pretty special (Barred Hollands and Marans) and I really don't want to lose any that might be viable, so what is the least expensive way to set-up a back-up bator and/or brooder?
ps. I'm also looking for the best book on the topic...any suggestions?