I cheated..but for a kinda good reason..

[suzettex5]

So I decided I wanted to raise some Blue and Splash Jersey Giants- but it would seem NO ONE in Nor Calif has them for sale. Naturally I was forced to buy and incubator

so I could try to hatch my own. My order is in the mail to Bobbi Porto of Florida for 15 eggs.

I figured I should probably give the bator a trial run before entrusting my complete lack of incubating skills to such precious eggs- thus my cheating begins...
I have a broody I raised who is a mix of polish and marans, her eggs are fathered by my black Jersey Giant. So, since they were on day 18, and I needed to try the bator- I stole some of her allllmost ready to hatch eggs and stuck 'em in there. Along with a few freshly gathered eggs, just to see if anything would develope.

2 out of the 2 hatched!! Yay,

They are soooo cute and all dark with dark legs and yellow toes! One has a yellow fuzzy bum, and the other is all dark, currently named Bubbles and Squishy (squishy cause s/he had yellow gunk all over his/her head at hatch, but is fine and dry and happy now)

It was sooo amazing to watch my childrens faces as they saw a new chick emerge! It was like the magic of Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy all at once!
In fact it was so cool, we ran outside and snatched 2 more and stuck them in to! We left her 2, but I'm planning on grabbing those from her pretty quick (might leave her one though) she is not very tame and I want her chicks to be friendly.

So, I cheated, but it was worth it, and I found out my bator and I can work wonders!

 

[debilorrah]

I think that is great, and I am NOT here to burst your bubble. Shipped eggs usually do not have a great hatching rate. Just so you know!!! I don't wanna be the fork in your steak or anything.

 

[suzettex5]

Yeah, Ive heard that alot, unfortunately. I know I'm taking a biiiiig risk with shipped eggs- espeacially all the way from florida! But Bobbi has had eggs go to Kuwait and still hatch, so I'm willing to try it! Hatch rate is also why I orded 15, I figure if I can get 4 or 5 to hatch, I'll be very happy, and if I get 2 or more hens, I'll be thrilled! I would have ordered more, but hubby has given me an egg budget! ( can you believe it? lol)

Is hopeing for 5 out of 15 unrealistic?

 

[debilorrah]

If you get 50% hatch rate you are doing good!!! Hey you are in CA!!!! Are you in SoCal??

 

[suzettex5]

Yes, I'm in Cali, but I'm in Nor Cal, near Sacramento. I really hope I can get a decent line of blue JG's going, I cant find anyone even remotely near me who has them, so I have no choice but to ship eggs. I guess theyre not to popular around here, but I just think theyre beautiful!

 

[kathyinmo]

Wynette has a good line of Jersey Giants. Have you asked her?

 

[suzettex5]

I havent only because I didnt know. I will be going to her page and PMing her directly!

Thank you Kathyinmo! (this is the kind of thing that sends me happily sailing past my hubby imposed egg $ budget!!

)

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
I know the feeling! I got mine from her. You will be very happy!