First time hatcher

[staceymeow]

I am about to receive eggs in the mail and it is my first time using an incubator. I read and reread sally sunshines info on hatching eggs and OMG, it is so scary. Im sure it is probably easier than it seems with all the things that can go wrong, im so scared all my little chicks will not survive. Anyone have any additional info for me to calm my nerves.

 

[sumi]

I know there are things that can go wrong, but then there are many hatches that goes smoothly and with no problems at all. As long as you make sure you do everything right, make sure your humidity and temp is correct and use fresh, undamaged and unwashed eggs from healthy chickens you'll be fine!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I am about to receive eggs in the mail and it is my first time using an incubator. I read and reread sally sunshines info on hatching eggs and OMG, it is so scary. Im sure it is probably easier than it seems with all the things that can go wrong, im so scared all my little chicks will not survive. Anyone have any additional info for me to calm my nerves.

You got this in the bag! You have done your homework, and you realize what is important, and you know temps have to be spot on! You know the shipping egg procedures then correct? I will follow along with you! if you want your welcome to come join us in the thread as we are always hatching and everyone checks in pretty much daily so its nice to have that support system! Anyone is welcome, just pop in and let us know your plans/whats in the bator! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ell-detatched-shipped-eggs/5340#post_10464125

 

[Sally Sunshine]

and I am Sooooo In LOVE WITH THEM GOATS!!! OMG too adorable!! Do you raise them?

 

[staceymeow]

I am getting silkie eggs for now and i will see how that goes. Im mainly worried about getting the humidity right. And since they are shipped eggs, i am confused about when to turn them. Thank you for the confidence and the help i will be in touch and let you know.
Oh, the goats, arnt they the cutest thing. I just love them. We dont raise them, they are my sister inlaws but i really want some of those sweet babies. Husband says no.



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[gimmie birdies]

Just remember to candle on the days 7,14,18 and look at the egg charts on 7 you are just looking for spider veins, but you are watching your air cell on 14 and 18 if not enough air cell you have too much water in you incubator, so adjust. at least you have almost a week to fix it if you notice on the 14th.

 

[staceymeow]

You got this in the bag! You have done your homework, and you realize what is important, and you know temps have to be spot on! You know the shipping egg procedures then correct?  I will follow along with you! if you want your welcome to come join us in the thread as we are always hatching and everyone checks in pretty much daily so its nice to have that support system!  Anyone is welcome, just pop in and let us know your plans/whats in the bator! https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ell-detatched-shipped-eggs/5340#post_10464125

 

[staceymeow]

Since you seem to know your stuff, have you ever hatched shipped duck eggs? Do you know is it the same as with chicken eggs? Can I hatch them together and just leave the duck eggs in longer? I was looking at Worth it farms ancona ducks and am so tempted to order eggs. Hopefully you can help. Oh, I saw the chicken coop you made out of pallets and that is on my to do list this summer. Yours is beautiful.
thanks, Stacey

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Since you seem to know your stuff, have you ever hatched shipped duck eggs? Do you know is it the same as with chicken eggs? Can I hatch them together and just leave the duck eggs in longer? I was looking at Worth it farms ancona ducks and am so tempted to order eggs. Hopefully you can help. Oh, I saw the chicken coop you made out of pallets and that is on my to do list this summer. Yours is beautiful.
thanks, Stacey

Thank you and I actually incubated my first ducks and they hatched new years eve..... I created an article and they are in there too! https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/duckling-care-brooder-ideas

please see https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101 also I like the way this article suggests misting and cooling duck eggs,https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/incubating-and-hatching-muscovy-eggs (Muscovy) just the cooling and misting part if not muscovy! muscovy take longer incubation!! I have two bators so I dont worry about staggered hatches. I dont suggest it.

If I had to do it all again I would probably by ducklings in spring shipped, Ideal poultry has GREAT deals on ducklings right now. Just watch the weather in your area if you go that route. oh also https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed (Duck/Goose)

Incubation Chart
The following table lists incubation requirements for various species of fowl.
​

Species

Incub. Period
(days)

Temp
(F.)¹

Humidity
(F.)²

Do not turn
after

Humidity
Last
3 days ²

Open vent
more
Chicken

21

100

85-87

18th day

90

18th day
Turkey

28

99

84-86

25th day

90

25th day
Duck

28

100

85-86

25th day

90

25th day
Muscovy Duck

35-37

100

85-86

31st day

90

30th day
Goose

28-34

99

86-88

25th day

90

25th day
Guinea Fowl

28

100

85-87

25th day

90

24th day
Pheasant

23-28

100

86-88

21st day

92

20th day
Peafowl

28-30

99

84-86

25th day

90

25th day
Bobwhite Quail

23-24

100

84-87

20th day

90

20th day
Coturnix Quail

17

100

85-86

15th day

90

14th day
Chukar

23-24

100

81-83

20th day

90

20th day
Grouse

25

100

83-87

22nd day

90

21st day
Pigeon

17

100

85-87

15th day

90

14th day

¹ Measured at degrees F. in a forced-air incubator. For still-air incubators, add 2-3 degrees F.
² Measured as degrees F. using a wet-bulb thermometer. Use chart to convert to relative humidity.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/491013/goose-incubation-hatching-guide-completed (Duck/Goose)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/732651/first-time-incubating (Quail)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/incubating-and-hatching-muscovy-eggs (Muscovy)​

 

[Sally Sunshine]

and that is probably more than you wanted but to have successful hatches you have to do some homework!

but I did alot of it for ya!