First time incubating eggs...

[momd29]

I'm a first timer here and I'm super excited, maybe too excited to tell you the truth. I set my eggs yesterday and have been impatiently watching and monitoring the incubator to make sure the temp and humidity stay constant. So far so good. Was anybody else a nervous nelly over setting their first batch? Does it get easier? I can't wait to see if anything hatches in 21 days. I'm really trying not to get my hopes up too much cause I know there is no guarantee that anything will hatch, but it's hard not to get excited. Any suggestions to keep me occupied and keep me from checking on my incubator every couple of minutes? It's going to be a long 21 days LOL..

 

[Becci]

Nope, doesn't get easier. At least not for me.

The advice I have for you is, less is more, in the world of incubating. Try not to worry so much. Good luck!

 

[momd29]

Oh no, I was hoping someone would tell it it would get easier LOL. I think I'm driving my poor DH insane. Oh well, he can deal with me being neurotic for a few weeks since I put up with his crazy obsessed chicken buying self LOL.. I think we may have a problem. He loves buying chickens and I'm loving hatching chickens.. I will try my best to take your advice and not worry so much though.. guess we see how that goes in the end.

 

[BB41272]

We hatched our first batch about a month ago. What an exciting time. I probably overchecked the eggs, but we hatched 12 out of 15 mostly marans chicks. The 21 days takes forever to pass, but it's all worth it in the end. I'm excited for you.

 

[Becci]

Chickens are very addictive. I just hatched 17 babies, and putting 20 more in the
incubator tomorrow! Not to mention the birds in the backyard. Can't ever have enough.
There's always a pretty bird that I just have to have.

Haha, wishing you luck, and be
sure to update us!

 

[momd29]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I'm with BB41272 I am most likely over checking the eggs. Thankfully I'm not opening the incubator just peeping through the window to make sure all is well (like i'd be able to tell if something wasn't) LOL.. Becci I think you're right you can never have enough. Between hubby and I we are always finding a new bird we want to add to our flock. If we don't be careful though we're going to end up overrun with chickens. I guess as long as we have space we'll be adding chickens

 

[KatOduckmama]

I'm nearing the end of.day three in my first incubation. I am so worried because my temp fluctuates at night when it cools outside, I am trying not to get too excited until atleast friday or saturday when I candle to check for veins... I have 8 ancona(possibly cayuga mix). I am open to any encouragement and advise is very welcome! so momd did your eggs hatch? I hope so!

 

[lukieseggs]

this is my first time and i over check all the time. the first night i stayed up the whole night. i also have sleeping problems right now. i had one of my hens sitting on eggs and she handled me pushing her off the eggs to see them very well. she hatched 7 out of 7 i cant wait to see these new chicks 11 more days.

 

[Harleysgirl]

Im a first timer too i have 15 quail eggs in the incubator.

I check them ALL THE TIME! hahaha cant wait for them to hatch!!

Good luck