First hatch, how many to plan for

[MightyMama]

Starting over, and we want to start with eggs this time (for the kids and to be able to get the breeds we want). I know we have to plan for some not to hatch, and plan for a lot to be roos, but how many eggs should I start with if I want to end up with 7-8 hens without having to do a second hatch?

We are currently dealing with bullying and sick chickens from trying to add to the flock, and I don't want to have to deal with that again. If we end up with too many hens, I have enough friends with small flocks that I feel we could find homes for them. Roos will just be processed when they are big enough.

I am just going to get a Still Air Incubator, which I know isn't the best, but I don't want to invest in a big unite that will only be used once every 2-3 years. What can I do to improve my odds on a good hatch at this time of the year? I know that temperature and humidity can effect it, so is it better to do a hatch in the basement where there is less air movement? Do I set up a humidifier or a dehumidifier in the room?

How about for when they hatch? I know I will need a heat lamp, but what else should I be aware of? I'm sure there is a really amazing 101 article out there, but its hard to filter through all the information when you are so clueless, so let me know if you have a good one you recommend.

 

[lazy gardener]

Did you know that you can build an incubator for less than $25??? And did you know that you can make it forced air for that cost? If you can wire a lamp with good instructions, you can build a very good incubator.

Next, read all of "Incubating eggs 101" in the learning center before you ever plug an incubator in. It's all about: calibration of equipment, correct temp and humidity, assessment of air cells.

If you want 7 pullets, then you should set 28 eggs. This allows a 50% failure rate (first hatching experience) and 50% cockerels. Of course, with hatching, you will either get it right = excellent hatch with lots of chicks. Or you will get it wrong = poor hatch with just a few chicks and some physical deformities b/c your temp or humidity were off. THAT'S WHY IT'S SO CRUCIAL TO CALIBRATE YOUR EQUIPMENT!!! Correct temp and humidity will help prevent congenital defects.

Finally, I beg you to ditch the notion of brooding your chicks with a heat lamp! Check out @Blooie 's thread and article about brooding chicks with a heating pad. You'll find links in her signature.

 

[WVduckchick]

Here's a nice guide to get you started
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-beginners-guide-to-incubation.73350/

 

[sylviethecochin]

Development of a chicken embryo, day-by-day
Hatching eggs 101
Beginner's guide to incubation

EDT: Didn't see you, WVduckchick. x2, I guess?

 

[MightyMama]

Do you think it's better to DIY than it is to buy a Still Air Incubator? I can get one for $20 easily off the farm swap groups I'm in. They seem to be easy to come by due to a local store selling them.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you can get a good one for $20, then that's a good option. No need to re-invent the wheel! I wish you the best! I do hope you will start with local eggs.

 

[JaeG]

If at all possible collect the eggs from breeders yourself as shipping them drastically decreases the number of eggs that hatch due to rough handling in transit.

 

[MightyMama]

Yes! I have a couple really great farms that are driving distance from me. I'm trying to narrow down the breeds I want and how many to get....because I have no idea if I should only plan for 15, or 28, as you mentioned, lol. That seems like soooo many. What if they all hatch? Part of my husband's job is monitoring proper temperature and humidity, so we have super accurate equipment that we can use and I am concerned about having so many extras if we manage to get it all right....

When transferring them, what should I do? It's cold out here. Do I get an insulated cooler and try to keep the eggs warmer? How warm do they need to stay if I have to keep them for a couple of days while I visit the different farms?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Yes! I have a couple really great farms that are driving distance from me. I'm trying to narrow down the breeds I want and how many to get....because I have no idea if I should only plan for 15, or 28, as you mentioned, lol. That seems like soooo many. What if they all hatch? Part of my husband's job is monitoring proper temperature and humidity, so we have super accurate equipment that we can use and I am concerned about having so many extras if we manage to get it all right....

When transferring them, what should I do? It's cold out here. Do I get an insulated cooler and try to keep the eggs warmer? How warm do they need to stay if I have to keep them for a couple of days while I visit the different farms?

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/166/care-and-incubation-of-hatching-eggs/

Keep them above 55 and below 70. An insulated cooler is probably best.

 

[lazy gardener]

Read the info in Hatching Eggs 101. It will answer all of your questions, and lots of questions you didn't even know enough to ask. It will cover egg travel, storage, and every thing else pertaining to hatching eggs.