hatching eggs without an incubator

[gunny]

I have 11 NH Red hens and 1 Rooster. I would like to hatch some of the hen eggs and am wondering how to go about it without an incubator.

 

[saddina]

Build one for about $10. look up the chickabator.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1996-chic-chick-bator

 

[gunny]

How do I know which eggs to put in the incubator? Do I just grab a bunch and hope that they are fertile or should I put my rooster and a hen in a closed room for a while first? I understand it takes a week or so before candleing will tell me if they are fertile or not.

 

[BirdBrain]

Go to the links at the top of this page and you can find pictures of the fertile bullseye. If your rooster has been in company with the hens and he is old enough you should have fertile eggs. Just crack a few open and look for the bullseye.

 

[rittert3]

You could also use a broody hen if you have one.

 

[gunny]

I have a hen that is often in the laying nest when I go to get the eggs and she snapped at me once. Should I just leave her and the eggs in there and see what happens?

 

[gunny]

Quote:
Will the fertile bullseye appear the day the egg is layed?

 

[PandoraTaylor]

yes! it will be there the day laid if fertile.

 

[gunny]

Thanks for the info.