Hatch-Along - Setting eggs this weekend (Jan5/6) WHOS WITH ME!

[Conchis]

I candled for the last time this morning. Lock-down is Friday for me. Most of them are full-on dark inside and I have no idea what is going on. 3 of the 9 I decided were just not doing it and I cracked them open and sure enough, they weren't making it. It looks like 2 of them just weren't fertile to start with. I had questions about them from the first candling. The third was fertile but never developed. Sooooo...... I have 6 of 9 going in to lock-down and we'll see what we get from there.

 

[LuvMyRoo]

Wow, I am so behind on this thread, but WHO'SSSSSS EXCITED FOR SOME CHICKS?!?! I am doubtful after the temp spike (and ever since it has not been steady) but still holding out hope for at least a little hatch. I have plans all weekend, which will be good b/c I won't be standing over the incubator, but I also don't want to miss anything! Who is going to be the first to hatch on this thread?? Any guesses? Can't wait for the pics to start posting

 

[LuvMyRoo]

Thanks! In the spring I think we'll cut a hole out through the wall to provide a 'porch' and then a ramp to an enclosed outside area... it will share a common gated fence with the other chicken's outdoor run. Mama and chicks can use it themselves for a week or so and then open the gate between the outdoor runs to mix them in. Spring is going to be some busy building/improving time for the outside pens.

For this batch of chicks they will have to use the indoor people area to play until the weather breaks a bit.

I agree, I love your cozy coop. We are rooting for Gracie! How many eggs is she sitting on again?

 

[LuvMyRoo]

A little cot hatched between my last post and when i was in the bath think its two days early.

How's he doing?

 

[fisherlady]

I agree, I love your cozy coop. We are rooting for Gracie! How many eggs is she sitting on again?

she has 8... 4 barred rock, 4 black australorp. all were dancing on day 10 when we candled, but this cold weather is enough to drive us crazy worrying about if it bothered them at all... so fingers crossed that all is well.

We haven't touched the eggs since the day 10 candling because of the coop temps we didn't want to disturb the nest.
We are now officially stuck being spectators!

 

[SilkieSensation]

Both of my clutches lock down on Thursday. I'm excited!

I'm going to look into getting some runner duck eggs next, because I've always liked ducks and everyone in my family wants some. The plan is: I get a lot more eggs than I need and the extra chicks or ducklings that hatch get distributed amongst the different households. Solid plan, eh?

I have runners. But they are taking a break from laying for the winter.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Gotcha! Hands off at the end of the week till 72 hrs after first chick...
I can't wait till we get to see her with the little ones! Good thing memory cards hold lots of pics!
You're welcome on the pics, the door does work really well for getting into the broody area without problems!
I'm guessing you have a scorecard taped to each incubator to keep track of it all! I know I would need to!

I have DOH (date of hatch) written on the end of each egg, even the quail

 

[SilkieSensation]

I candled the other night. The basque eggs are full on dark inside-can't tell what's going on in there. I got rid of one unfertile and one bloodring that obviously showed no progress(both BLRW). Tommorrow, my basque eggs are supposed to go into lockdown. With only one incubator, this will force my BLRW into lockdown 2 days early... will I be ok doing this?
Anyway-I'm excited to see everyone's results

. Chick pictures everywhere!

Good luck to all!!

That won't be a problem at all, however, I would likely wait an extra day to raise humidity unless you get an external pip before then.

 

[SilkieSensation]

We candled our eggs tonight. Pulled out 11 and left in 29. They are heritage Rhode Islans Reds. My air cells seemed smaller than the picture above, not sure what that could mean? We go into lockdown tomorrow evening.

It means your humidity ran a bit on the high side. Just keep an eye on them while hatching & don't raise humidity above 50% for still air or 60% for bator with a fan for lockdown. They likely have extra liquid still in the shell or are fatter than they should be which makes it hard for them to turn once pipped. You may need to assist some, but wait a full 24 hours after pip to intervene.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Is it dangerous at all for them to hatch early if they do it on their own terms?

As long as the baby does the hatching it's ready even if your calendar doesn't think so.