Free chick from McMurray

[JFreeman]

Awww what breed? Also I saw your pic of the spitzhauben awesome pic! how do you like that breed?

These guys are EEs. I bought 6 eggs, got 1 extra, and so far four hatched. I had to throw one egg away about a week and a half ago because it was just stinky. Out of the four that hatched, one died and one doesn't look very good, but it's not done yet. I have two healthy chicks in my brooder, and they seem pretty happy, warm, and chirping their happiness.

You must be talking about Domino, the Mottled Houdan. I like the breed. They are very sweet towards people, but I'm not sure I would breed them. They just aren't my cup of tea. That's why I have so many different breeds. I'm trying to find the ones I like the best, and so far I love EEs, OEs, Polish, and Wyandottes.

They have that one for sale at my local tractor supply, but if I do get it I will add the egg turner and circulating fan. Does the temp hold pretty steady and accurate on yours?

That's where I bought mine. A friend wants me to hatch some eggs out for her, and she is supposed to buy turner, but hasn't yet. The temp stays pretty steady, but you'll need to buy a hygrometer. I bought mine from Walmart. It's just a simple one. If you keep the temperature of your house steady, you shouldn't have any problems with your incubator's temperature fluctuating.

 

[kfarrell]

JFreeman thanks for the info, it makes me feel a little better about buying it after getting someone's opinion after they have already used it.

 

[JFreeman]

Sure thing. I like it, it's pretty easy to clean, and it's pretty easy to keep the humidity consistent (just fill one of the middle rows with water is my experience). This time I'm going to put a little bowl so it's easier to take water out if there's too much (and no worries about spilling in the wrong tray).

Today I'm putting in 18 barnyard mix eggs for my friend, 8 bantam mixes for my mother in law, and 4 eggs for myself: two Blue Maran/EE mixes, and two Columbian Wyandotte/EE mixes. I wonder if I'm getting taken advantage of...

I don't really care. I love hatching out eggs.

 

[kfarrell]

I can't wait to start hatching my own eggs, but most of all I am excited about getting my kids more involved too. I have heard that instead of putting a bowl of water that you can also use a sponge, have you ever tried it?

 

[JFreeman]

I haven't, but I have my method for this hatch pretty consistent. I don't want to muck with it in the middle of my batch. I may try it in the future though, if I think to buy some.

 

[kfarrell]

2 week update, chicks are doing great. My free chick still doesn't have much in the way of feathers yet. My buff orps have to be the most social and curious birds. The kids have them trained to run up and jump into your hand when you reach in the brooder.

 

[ChristyinGA]

2 week update, chicks are doing great. My free chick still doesn't have much in the way of feathers yet. My buff orps have to be the most social and curious birds. The kids have them trained to run up and jump into your hand when you reach in the brooder.

Awww! Super cute!

My order shows as having shipped! It is currently in St. Paul, MN. Due to be delivered on Monday! Meanwhile, my eggs go into lockdown on Wednesday and I see movement in 18 of them. Yay!

 

[kfarrell]

Thanks, I can't wait til I can start hatching my own eggs too. Best of luck on yours, you definitely should post some pics when they hatch.

 

[wendychicklawyr]

Here's a couple pics I could take ..babies are so cute! One of my little polish has a black spot on her pompadour lol. The close up is of one of my cuckoo maran ..named her Mary Catherine Gallagher because when I put my hand in she runs and slides in like mcg in sat night live lol. Gonna get more pics we have them so secure now. really beautiful babies can't wait to watch them grow

 

[Gingersnap722]

Love the black spot on the pompadour! Wish mine had that.

kfarrell, how did your kids teach your buff's to do that? I want to do that with mine!