Eastern Washington

[rickerra]

pips&peeps :

I know you are on your last few days of incubation, so if you loose power let me know. I have generators and ups in my chick room.

I also have a bunch of non standard chicks.

Thanks Jean! So far so good. Today is day 20. We're excited to see some hatching this weekend.

I think I would like to get 2-3 more chicks. Chicken math! haha.

Do you have any non-standard lav chicks? How old are they?


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This weather is bitter cold! I'm glad the extended forecast shows temps getting back above freezing and near 40 come March 1st.

There will be A LOT of chicks shipping into our area around that date as all the main feed stores get large shipments from the hatcheries. Hope they stay warm enough.

Cheers!​

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
Thanks Jean! So far so good. Today is day 20. We're excited to see some hatching this weekend.

I think I would like to get 2-3 more chicks. Chicken math! haha.

Do you have any non-standard lav chicks? How old are they?


------------------------------------------------

This weather is bitter cold! I'm glad the extended forecast shows temps getting back above freezing and near 40 come March 1st.

There will be A LOT of chicks shipping into our area around that date as all the main feed stores get large shipments from the hatcheries. Hope they stay warm enough.

Cheers!

All my non standard chicks left today except for one that hatched this morning. I have a couple more eggs that are due to hatch; you can have this one and any more that hatch that are the wrong down color.

 

[mrsbos]

Anyone here process their own chickens? I would love to learn how to do it, and would even be willing to pay for a class in which I would be taught the whole process or compensate someone who would show me the ropes. I was just at the Aslin-Finch store in the Valley, and they had Cornish X's which would be ready for slaughter at 8-10 weeks. I figure, if I'm going to have chickens, I need to have the knowledge and ability to fully "take advantage" of my resources, though I can't imagine eating the 3 I currently have as egg layers/pets. I'm wondering if I could possibly raise several Cornish Xs without naming them or becoming attached, knowing that they would be raised for food.

I've seen several YouTube videos of how to do it, but I'd rather have an experienced person around for the first time in case I "chicken" out.

 

[rickerra]

Quote:
Hi Mrsbos.
I have never done it, but I am planning to teach myself. I've seen enough videos and pictorials... I'm confident I can do it. I will be raising some meaties this spring/summer for my family as well.
I'll post back here when that time comes. And any and all are free to come help, watch, participate and/or cheer!

But do let us know if you find a local experienced processor who wants to give a demo/class. I would also be interested.

Cheers!

 

[4cats3kids1hubby2many]

Regarding processing your own meat birds....the washintonian thread on BYC has done a lot of talk on this very subject. you may want and post this on their and they may be able to help you too. It is a wonderful group of very knowledgable people.

 

[rickerra]

Hi Neighbors,
Happy to report that my hatch went very well! 5 of the 6 eggs in lockdown hatched out great little chicks!

Not bad for a $20 homemade incubator!

All 5 pipped very early on day 21 (Saturday)... then 3 hatched in the mid-morning and 2 later in the evening... the 6th egg never pipped.

It's been fun having young children around to share in the excitement. Funny though... I think I'm the most excited about them!

And thanks to pips&peeps for the 3 more I got from her today to make it a full house!

Cheers!

 

[4cats3kids1hubby2many]

Quote:
How did you make the incubator? Is there a web site to go to to learn how?

 

[rickerra]

Quote:
Hi 4312,
I learned how to make mine from all the do-it-yourselfer's incubator pages here at BYC. I "reviewed" all the homemade bators, figured out what was needed, then took stock of what materials I already had. Ended up needing to buy a $6 styrofoam cooler and a $1 picture frame (from a thrift store)... plus a $8 water heater thermostat and $2 light bulb holder (from HD).

You can see my incubator write up... click on the "view my BYC page" under my name on the left <<<<<.

Cheers!

 

[4cats3kids1hubby2many]

Quote:
Hi 4312,
I learned how to make mine from all the do-it-yourselfer's incubator pages here at BYC. I "reviewed" all the homemade bators, figured out what was needed, then took stock of what materials I already had. Ended up needing to buy a $6 styrofoam cooler and a $1 picture frame (from a thrift store)... plus a $8 water heater thermostat and $2 light bulb holder (from HD).

You can see my incubator write up... click on the "view my BYC page" under my name on the left <<<<<.

Cheers!

thanks so much...I am going to go and look. We have been throwing around the entire hatching chicks.....but I really don't need any more chickens (yes I did...I said it)....but I do have room. I just thought my kids would have a ball hatching out some chicks. Again, thank you

 

[mrsbos]

@Rickerra: Just looked at your homemade incubator on your page. So impressed with your ingenuity! We chicken mamas are some smart ladies!