In case anybody is interested, here is the final report on our first hatch.
We started on Aug 10 with 30 eggs. 16 FBCM from our own girls (8 mos old) and 14 mixed breeds as layers from our own stock as well. The FBCM are pure, roo and hens. The mutts are NHR roo and the girls are Light Brahma, RIR, NHR and Plymouth Rock And Dom.
We did not candle. We lost 3 eggs in the first 2 weeks when the lid from the Brower Top Hatch slipped out my hand and broke them. This incubator was tough to regulate the temp, adjusted twice per day. On day 19 the first 2 hatched. Healthy and beautiful. Day 21 a bunch more. My Good Wife had to help a couple out of the shell.
The FBCM were very thick and tough shells. We ended up with only 4 out of 16 FBCM and 9 out of 14 mutts.
1 of the mutts died last night after only 2 days, just didn't make it. So 12 out of 30. None of the others even pipped. I am a little depressed but live and learn. The little ones we do have are doing great and will be moved to the BIG PINK BROODER tomorrow (outside). I can NOT recommend the Brower Top Hatch, We bought an old delapidated cabinet incubator that we will rebuild and try, try again.
Thanks to everyone for all the advise.
We started on Aug 10 with 30 eggs. 16 FBCM from our own girls (8 mos old) and 14 mixed breeds as layers from our own stock as well. The FBCM are pure, roo and hens. The mutts are NHR roo and the girls are Light Brahma, RIR, NHR and Plymouth Rock And Dom.
We did not candle. We lost 3 eggs in the first 2 weeks when the lid from the Brower Top Hatch slipped out my hand and broke them. This incubator was tough to regulate the temp, adjusted twice per day. On day 19 the first 2 hatched. Healthy and beautiful. Day 21 a bunch more. My Good Wife had to help a couple out of the shell.
The FBCM were very thick and tough shells. We ended up with only 4 out of 16 FBCM and 9 out of 14 mutts.
1 of the mutts died last night after only 2 days, just didn't make it. So 12 out of 30. None of the others even pipped. I am a little depressed but live and learn. The little ones we do have are doing great and will be moved to the BIG PINK BROODER tomorrow (outside). I can NOT recommend the Brower Top Hatch, We bought an old delapidated cabinet incubator that we will rebuild and try, try again.
Thanks to everyone for all the advise.
