Early February 2016 Hatch - Who's In?

[ambe0487]

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I ordered the larger version for the 28 hatched last time. You can raise both the one you ordered and the larger one up as they get older. I have used the small one for 12 chicks before. Are you brooding indoors (or climate controlled) or outdoors?

I'll keep them inside as long as possible but it depends on how many hatch as to how long they are able to be inside. I plan on having them inside until they are at least a month old.

 

[CoopDeDoo]

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Then you will probably be fine with the small one. Mine were in an unheated garage (30-50 degrees) and outgrew the small version before they were feathered enough to stay warm.

 

[ambe0487]

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Then you will probably be fine with the small one. Mine were in an unheated garage (30-50 degrees) and outgrew the small version before they were feathered enough to stay warm.

Do you need to cover the top? I've seen they have covers but didn't think the top was heated.

 

[Shadow722]

Do you need to cover the top? I've seen they have covers but didn't think the top was heated.

Here's my brooder. I'll keep them in this until they're sold or feathered. I picked this up from a local fellow who is building and selling them for $100.

 

[CoopDeDoo]

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The top is not heated and fortunately it is washable since that is where they like to "practice" roosting

 

[CoopDeDoo]

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Wow! Nice set up. I still have figured out what I am going to use to brood this batch. After I see how many are developing I will proceed with at least a gazillion ideas and probably figure it out the day before they are due to hatch Forgot to add that I have to brood indoors this year (yuk) and that is adding to my indecision. Luckily, Favs are very easy to determine gender as the males feather out differently than the females - so those little guys will be on CL by 2 weeks old and not taking up room in the brooder.

 

[TurkenMomma]

I candled all 9 of my eggs today (day 8) and all looked dark so I think they're all fertile cuz there were no clear eggs. That's good. But I was expecting to see veins...
By what day do you all see blood vessels and stuff? I didn't see a dark eye spot either. Frustrating

My incubator has the eggs on their side and rolls them slowly, so the air sac looks different than the tradition pictures of candled eggs at 6-8 days.

Anyone has an incubator where the eggs are on their side?

I have one that the eggs are on their side. It doesn't seem to be affecting their growth.

 

[TurkenMomma]

OMG... Guess what I'm ordering.

I've wanted this for a long time and we had a very unfortunate event in our area this weekend that was started by a heat lamp. So DH said go ahead so we are not worried about the fire risk.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have this and I LOVE IT!!! Currently, it is outside (with the leg stands off) in my coop with my 2 girls. It was amazing to not have to worry about fires, etc. Plug it in and you're good. I love that I can use it for my chicks and my big chickens during our big cold spell.

 

[ambe0487]

I have this and I LOVE IT!!! Currently, it is outside (with the leg stands off) in my coop with my 2 girls. It was amazing to not have to worry about fires, etc. Plug it in and you're good. I love that I can use it for my chicks and my big chickens during our big cold spell. 

Ooh, that is good to know! We've had some days where we are not even above zero so this is a good options for the outdoor group as well. I think I will opt for the larger one that says up to 50 chickens even though I will not be hatching that many. I suppose it will fit them longer.

 

[ambe0487]

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The top is not heated and fortunately it is washable since that is where they like to "practice" roosting

I'm excited for that!