Hatching question...

[freshfish]

Can you hatch a hens first eggs? I set eggs I had ordered in the incubator on saturday and had 6 of my own that I decided to add into the incubator. 3 of the 6 are from hens that have been laying a couple weeks, and 3 are from hens that just started, might even be the 2nd or 3rd egg they have ever laid! I did notice the ordered eggs were larger than my hens eggs. Will these eggs have a chance of hatching? I have seen the rooster mating with the hens so I am pretty sure they will be fertile.

Thanks for any input,
John

 

[austinbndr28]

Can you hatch a hens first eggs? I set eggs I had ordered in the incubator on saturday and had 6 of my own that I decided to add into the incubator. 3 of the 6 are from hens that have been laying a couple weeks, and 3 are from hens that just started, might even be the 2nd or 3rd egg they have ever laid! I did notice the ordered eggs were larger than my hens eggs. Will these eggs have a chance of hatching? I have seen the rooster mating with the hens so I am pretty sure they will be fertile.

Thanks for any input,
John

Yes you can hatch a hens first couple of eggs and they are more than likely fertile if you seen the rooster mating with them!

 

[freshfish]

What about the size of the egg? Are there advantages or disadvantages in using a large/small egg for hatching?

 

[austinbndr28]

What about the size of the egg? Are there advantages or disadvantages in using a large/small egg for hatching?

I don't really know but usually the first couple of eggs are smaller or odd shaped some people only hatch the biggest eggs with good shape I guess they only want the best eggs so they will pass it on genetically to have birds with large eggs, but I hatch any egg and I haven't had any problems with them.

 

[pntboy6]

What about the size of the egg? Are there advantages or disadvantages in using a large/small egg for hatching?

We have hatched several small, "first" eggs. The only difference I have noticed is that they are generally smaller chicks than the large eggs. But I have had good hatchability with them just like my larger eggs. Also keep in mind, Bantam eggs are small, and you can hatch them out well! I am with the last person, I incubate any egg I can when I am hatching. Have fun!