Halloween ~ Hatch Day!

[hatchaholic]

I had to open my hatcher last night to remove a bad egg.

Luckily I got to it before it exploded. I noticed it had a small crack on the pointed end. But, I did it really quickly, and it didn't seem to affect my humidity levels very much.

Still unsure about those penedesenca eggs. Out of 14, I think at least 6 are scrambled or infertile. Today is day 14 for them, so I'm planning on candling them and throwing them out if they still look bad.

My MIL is in bad shape in the hospital and has been for the last week. This first hatch has been stressful enough, but I've not been able to keep my eyes on it as closely as I would have liked because of spending time at work or at the hospital. Keep your fingers crossed for me that everything works out...

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Yeah my home made one did that too....but...the LG is holding temps FAR Better and more steady than the styro bator...the thermostat responds much quicker...so I am hoping it is still at least an upgrade

we will see!

Yeah I really like my LG. I think the ones that have so much trouble with them are just not patient. Mine had pretty variable temps when I first got it, but they were within range, so no biggie.

 

[UrbanMama]

Quote:
I'm so sorry you MIL is sick... prayers and

coming your way!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Yeah you turn the eggs on the 18th day, at the end of day 18 or beginning of day 19 you stop turning.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I have no idea! Why not medicated? I thought medicated was good unless they were vaxed. Unless I suppose you don't want the chemicals.

If it is game bird starter then it should be fine. I think about the only difference is the protein. Regular crumbles might not have enough vitamins/minerals needed for babies.

 

[FisherMOM]

Quote:
Yep... I have it in my car.. now to just wait 2 more days!
I have the brooder ready for Momma and the babies too!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
The meds that are in the chick start is more of a preventative than a treatment. It just helps to give them a boost when they are young. There is also unmedicated chick start, your feed store doesn't carry that? That's all mine has. I can't even get the medicated!!

 

[walkswithdog]

I used game bird starter with this last batch of chicks, other than they are feathering out really fast and weight gain fast, I didn't see any differences. It seems to be going really well.

If I have it around or might have poults, I'll always use it. Feathering out fast has some real advantages. I think it might be the only reason RL Nutcase made it. He's been the smallest the whole time, crowded out the most often and eats less. I'm pretty sure I'd have lost him with a food with less protein and calories. I won't nurse a weak chick so he's had to make it on his own. I think the available higher calories may have assisted him.

Still no sign of pips...on the early batch and finally stopping turning on the late one. I think I'll just go not so quietly nuts now.

 

[FisherMOM]

feathering fast and weight gain seems it would be a plus this time of year.. so I guess I am on the right track.

I am not sure if this feed store usually carries unmedicated chick starter.. I just started using it 2 months or so ago.
I know that TSC has it... but I will just keep them on this game feed. My hen will need this boost too as she has been sitting on a nest for almost 3 months. She is skinny and pale.

 

[UrbanMama]

I thought the babies were supposed to start rocking when you stopped turning them? Or is it because I have them in a carton?