EDUCATIONAL INCUBATION & HATCHING CHAT THREAD, w/ Sally Sunshine Shipped Eggs

[Sally Sunshine]

Quote: I always add some relish, never did horseradish but worth a shot thanks!

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

Quote: Tomorrow is a lot better - can we just plan on that?

Quote: Sure I do! But don't put yourself out or anything - I know how much you have going on. Yep, doing better, did my weights and photos for the NN broiler chicks, about to head back out for more work.

Quote:
Well, I'm back... briefly...

IMHO, a lot of people put all the blame on themselves or their equipment - which in most cases may be true because we are relying on mechanical or hand turning, thermometers, hygrometers and thermostats that could easily be off. A hen doesn't have any of those issues.
But sometimes, I think we should examine with greater scrutiny what happens for the month or so before incubation starts.
Depending on time of year, has the rooster been adequately photostimulated?
What is the rooster to hen ratio? What is the age of the rooster? Is he overweight?
Are the breeders in optimal health with no sign of disease?
Are we collecting eggs from young pullets or aged hens?
Are we using a breeder ration and/or supplementing vitamins/minerals/amino acids to increase hatchability rather than just a regular layer or all-flock feed?
Are we overfeeding treats and scratch, thereby screwing up the optimal nutrition that is necessary for high hatch rates?
Have the roosters been eating layer feed for any significant length of time which can affect sperm motility?
Are we maintaining nests in meticulously clean conditions? Do we make plans for rainy weather when hens tend to track bacteria ridden mud into the nests?
Are we collecting eggs promptly with clean hands/gloves and collection materials?
Are we moving those eggs out of the sun and placing them in a cool humid space (approx. 60F)?
Are we turning them regularly during storage or storing them small end up?
Are we storing eggs too long and/or in the wrong conditions?
Do we warm the eggs gradually before setting to prevent condensation?
Are we disinfecting the incubator before setting?

From the moment a hen lays an egg, there is nothing we can do to improve hatchability, we can only try to prevent decreasing hatchability.

VERY well put!!!!!

Three weeks old today.

OMG, so cute!!!!!!!!

I haven't hard boiled goose eggs but I'd try bringing it to a hard boil, turning the burner off and let the pan set on it till it cools. Beats overcooking a boiled egg.
As for seasoning, add some pickle juice and horseradish sauce to the yolk.

Agree with this. (This is how Julia Child said to boil eggs, actually). I actually steam all my "boiled" eggs - much better results, and I'm able to get consistent yolks just how I like them every time.


Did my weights and photos of the S&G broiler naked necks. At 7 weeks, the largest boy is just under 4 pounds.

Meanwhile, the largest girl (50oz at 7 weeks!!!!) is my bestest friend and loves to snuggle with me - I have another Puppy in training:



- Ant Farm

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I always add some relish, never did horseradish but worth a shot thanks!

You haven't lived till you have deviled eggs with horseradish.
IMHO, relish would screw up the creamy texture of the yolk but you'll still get the flavor with pickle juice.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Agree with this. (This is how Julia Child said to boil eggs, actually). I actually steam all my "boiled" eggs - much better results, and I'm able to get consistent yolks just how I like them every time.


Did my weights and photos of the S&G broiler naked necks. At 7 weeks, the largest boy is just under 4 pounds.

Meanwhile, the largest girl (50oz at 7 weeks!!!!) is my bestest friend and loves to snuggle with me - I have another Puppy in training:



- Ant Farm

lol

Quote: was just looking at dads plants coming up at the edge of his garden this am thinking I need some sausage and horsey

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Just don't overdo the horseradish in the deviled eggs, especially if yours is extremely hot.

I used to go to a restaurant in N'awlins to eat oysters with horseradish. If you put more than a match head sized bit of their horseradish on the oyster, it would blow your head apart. It was one of the hottest things I ever ate.

 

[SidChick]

This Easter boy hatched with a strange layer over his eye. I was worried that he had no eye. Once dried, it starts to peel, so I pulled it off, and revealed a normal eye. He seems to be visual and normal now. Has anyone ever seen this before?

 

[Akrnaf2]

Sally!!!

Mr.B my one and only Educator!  

Just saw in the news the horrible HORRIBLE murder of that innocent old man in the US,
WHAT IS GOING ON WITH PEOPLE?? Stupid SOB!

 

[Akrnaf2]

 
...

Hi Paddler, he has two big brahma roos over five hens, one needs to go.  Unfortunately Dad and I are at odds on which one should go.  His choice went after me today and he is lucky I only kicked the dang thing! I was furious!    He was worried so I took him one of the saddles I had won.  I was just gonna bluekote her but I thought I would humor him a bit.  My guess is grumpy ole man is gonna say come get this @#$@# off my hen    mission accomplished if that does happen, and then I will get to show him what a nice roo he wants to keep!

I was going to suggest selection criteria but I'm with you, the attacker needs to go.

 
They ATE my maran egg!!! oh the shame!!! I cant find it in the egg boxes!!  had to be HarmonyAnn! the lil stinker!!


speaking of eggs, I am debating making VERY Very LARGE deviled eggs,  thoughts on hardboiling a goose egg and time to cook it?  I am thinking the mayo mustard vinegar old bay etc will take the rough tough flavor from making me gag   and I really dont want to start the oven and make it hotter inside.

I haven't hard boiled goose eggs but I'd try bringing it to a hard boil, turning the burner off and let the pan set on it till it cools. Beats overcooking a boiled egg.
As for seasoning, add some pickle juice and horseradish sauce to the yolk.

Does it taste different from chicken egg?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I really hope not!

But you probably right!

The pictures of your Passover spread was an amazing and beautiful image. I just have no desire to eat such sweet things. I think I weaned myself off of sugar decades ago.
Give me a piece of good fruit or 10 pieces but it is about all I can do to choke down a piece of chocolate cake on my birthday.
I can do pumpkin pie or perhaps a piece of cheesecake once a year.
We had a sweet breakfast, huge fresh blackberries, some blueberries, raspberries, apple, avocado and some walnuts.

 

[Akrnaf2]

Just don't overdo the horseradish in the deviled eggs, especially if yours is extremely hot.

I used to go to a restaurant in N'awlins to eat oysters with horseradish. If you put more than a match head sized bit of their horseradish on the oyster, it would blow your head apart. It was one of the hottest things I ever ate.

It really cleanses your sinus!