- Oct 8, 2010
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I just got my first clutch of fertilized eggs this afternoon through the USPS. I've been trying to gather information on what to do now, but I am not sure still as they all seem to differ. I had read one should wait 24 hours before putting the eggs under the broody hen and that the area in which you place them should be a cool dark place- but not a refrigerator. I have them in my bedroom. I unwrapped them (hope this is ok) and they are all sitting in a cushy box- some touching each other... hope this is ok as well. When or how do I do the next step? Tonight? or Tomorrow night?
My broody hen has been sitting on a nest in my coop with the other chickens but I have been thinking of moving her to a smaller coop that I have so that she may have some privacy. The problem is that I don't think there is sufficient ventilation in there and we are in the middle of a heat wave right now. (90 - 100 degrees F during the middle hours of the day) I worry about her getting too hot in there and too cramped. Also, I had used Diatomaceous Earth in there before... should I clean it out throuroughly or shouldn't the DE be a problem?
Also, what is "lockdown'?
Also, do you think a Buff Orpington can sit on 8 eggs? I asked for 6, but the good breeder gave me 8- I don't want to waste any!
I think I am going to have to do more reading and preparations... I was just going to stick the eggs under my broody as soon as possible. Am I being too nervous or good by being cautious? Help!
Thanks in advance for any replies. This is my first time! I don't want to mess it up!
My broody hen has been sitting on a nest in my coop with the other chickens but I have been thinking of moving her to a smaller coop that I have so that she may have some privacy. The problem is that I don't think there is sufficient ventilation in there and we are in the middle of a heat wave right now. (90 - 100 degrees F during the middle hours of the day) I worry about her getting too hot in there and too cramped. Also, I had used Diatomaceous Earth in there before... should I clean it out throuroughly or shouldn't the DE be a problem?
Also, what is "lockdown'?
Also, do you think a Buff Orpington can sit on 8 eggs? I asked for 6, but the good breeder gave me 8- I don't want to waste any!
I think I am going to have to do more reading and preparations... I was just going to stick the eggs under my broody as soon as possible. Am I being too nervous or good by being cautious? Help!
Thanks in advance for any replies. This is my first time! I don't want to mess it up!