Help..7 eggs, mommahen was just killed..day 13..

[kycklingmamma]

..and I see movement when candling the eggs..what do I do?

I made a makeshift incubator on my counter with a towel, moistened from water, a heat lamp, keeping temp. at 99.5 degrees..what else do I do?

I have no clue as to how the momma died..she wasn't in the coop this afternoon and after lots and lots of searching we found her dead body in the woods...


Any help would be oh so appreciated.

Thank you..

 

[GJ_Kate]

Can you run to the farm store and pick up an LG incubator? They're about $50. I just had a successful first hatch in mine. Better than nothing. Otherwise post on your state or area's link and see if someone close by has a bator! Good luck!!!!!

 

[bburn]

turn the eggs a few times a day....

and do you have a Tractor Supply? They have the LG incubator on sale right now.....

 

[chickengrl]

can you get an incubator? The eggs will need turned several times a day. I think you can mark them with an X and O on either side to help keep track. You are on the home streach with these eggies and now you have to finish the job. Keep them warm over night and get an incubator in the morning if you can. People do make homemade incubators, but that might take some time. Good luck.

 

[Suechick]

I'm so sorry

If you keep the eggs pretty cozy they should be OK for a day or two while you get an incubator. There's a lot of info about how to build one here. It is most important not to overheat the eggs, too cool is better than too hot. If the temp starts to creep up to 102 or hotter you have to cool them down a little. You can use a simple styrofoam cooler and about a 40 watt light bulb to make your own. I wish I lived closer, I'd offer take care of your eggs and then give you my bator when my hatch is done. I hope there is someone on here who would do that for you.

 

[Suechick]

Oh, if you keep them in an egg carton make sure they are pointy side DOWN, and round side up. Also, and egg carton makes turning the eggs a lot simpler, you can prop one end up and then the other end to turn the eggs.

 

[kycklingmamma]

Thanks guys..will run to Tractor Supply tomorrow morning....the temp in my box is 99.5ish..is that Ok for tonight?
I have a mark on them so I know which way to turn them..I think..

..
Are the LG incubators any good?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
The LG will do at this late stage, but no they are not the best. However, for what you need it for, it will do fine and you can use it later as a hatcher.

 

[kycklingmamma]

Suechick..Thank you so much for offering..I am in Hockley/Magnolia area, north of Houston, TX though..

Why is it important to keep them pointy side down? just curious..

 

[chickengrl]

99.5 is perfect on the temp! I am not a fan of the LG after being spoiled with a Brinsea, but it will do the job. You might get a cheap hygrometer(humidity) and temp gauge. I think I have read that Walmart carries a cheap, but good one.