First Hatch = Fathers' Day?

[wildcat chix]

First time with homemade incubator. Temp is right around 100* but humidity is a bit low - may have to add another water tray.

23 eggs went in at midnight:

7 Lavender Guinea
2 Assorted Bantams
13 Random Backyard Mixes

If all goes well, the chicks will hatch on Fathers' Day, the keets will hatch the following Sunday...

Wish us luck!!

 

[sumi]

Temperature's perfect

Good luck!

 

[wildcat chix]

Well, chicks #1 and 2 popped out yesterday. #3-7 have been hatching all day with #7 just a few minutes ago. #8 will probably be out before midnight.

Boy, when these things start zipping it doesn't take long at all, does it?

Looks like this incubator is a success. Thanks to CrazyFarmHusband for his directions. I'm using exactly the same fridge he has.

As of right now we have a 33% hatch rate. Not bad for a first timer. If one more hatches, we'll be up to 38%. The humidity is staying right around 60%, but so far no shrink-wrapped chicks.

This is an awesome experience and my wife is already talking about the next hatch.

Oh, by the way, #9 is racing to a photo finish with #8 for who is gonna be out first...pics to come!!!

 

[wildcat chix]

#8 is out and is a red one. Pretty interesting not knowing which hens they came out of
#9 should be along shortly

 

[sumi]

Oh that's wonderful! Would love to see pics. Hatching eggs is an amazing experience, I totally agree! And addictive!

 

[wildcat chix]

Final numbers = 2 out of 2 bantams, 10 of 12 mixed chicks - one egg that didn't develop, and one that had to be put out of its misery after hatch...

One chicken egg that we're about to give up on, as it is now day 23

7 guinea eggs not due until Sunday

Oh, and one of the bantams, the first hatcher overall, has a scissor beak. No problems with the other 10 at the moment. All eating and drinking well and feathering nicely

 

[wildcat chix]

Day 24 and we have 5 of guineas pipped and rocking!

 

[wildcat chix]

First keet 10:18pm on day #24
One down, 6 to go...

 

[wildcat chix]

Didn't realize the guinea was so small until we saw him with the chicks

Chicks' first look at the brand new keet
He didn't stay in there long...


Here he is on his own. His brothers and sisters should be along shortly to keep him company

 

[sumi]

Been awhile since I've last seen a newborn keet. It's cute! Hope the rest of the eggs all hatch.