Eeeek! Eggs have Arrived

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

So guys our final count is 15…possibly 16. One is an Olive egger that I can’t count out because I really can’t see in. I guess I should be glad I have at least that many doing well. I’m done candling until hatch day I think, it’s just stressing me out at this point I’ll put them in lock down Tuesdayhoping everybody makes it out okay.

 

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

I took the turner out this morning and put down a non-slip mat. Our power was out for approximately 2 hours last night and I was scared it’d be longer than that but thank goodness it wasn’t!

 

[TexasBlues]

Congrats on the 15 chicks. Any pics?

 

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

Ended up with only 9 chicks total. Very disappointing honestly. Horrible hatch rate and several babies that didn't even attempt to hatch We did briefly lose power two days before hatching for several hours so maybe that had something to do with it. "Snow Storm" currently happening in my area and I'm now waiting for my Meyer chicks that should be here Wednesday.

 

[TexasBlues]

From what I’ve read, 40% hatch rate on shipped eggs is a reasonable expectation.

 

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

and sorry no pictures of current babies. Having to use my laptop as my phone doesn't do anything but calls at this point.

 

[TinyHandsHomestead105]

From what I’ve read, 40% hatch rate on shipped eggs is a reasonable expectation.

Well that's great to know. Won't be doing shipped anymore unless it's something I can't pass up.

 

[BockBockChick]

I’ve got a humidifier! I have toddlers so it’s a must around here

I've read the temperature could affect pullets/cockerel ratio. The lower the hatching temp, the more pullets supposedly, because the cockerels are not strong enough to hatch in lower temps. I don't know this for a fact personally.

 

[BockBockChick]

I’ve heard conflicting opinions on when to candle for the first time. I’ve heard so far 4 days-7 days and I’ve heard some say not at all. What’s everyone’s opinion?

I could hardly wait until five days, but I did. It's very exciting!

 

[BockBockChick]

I feel like I lied to my husbandI told him probably 75% would even develop!

It's not for certain all will hatch. I had 6 out of 8. One was not fertile at all, and the seventh one never hatched. In retrospect, I probably should have helped it out the next day, when the rest pipped.