I want to incubate eggs but fear roosters

[Aunt Angus]

I want to do it just because i’ve never done it before and it would be cool for the experience but i’m iffy with with 50:50 ratio

Oh, I understand completely. I've thought about it, too. Better than getting chicks from a hatchery. Then I read about all that can go wrong when hatching. I realized I don't have the stomach for it - lol!

 

[Chookwagn]

I’m not breeding chickens. I don’t even have a rooster. I have 2 hens. And thought about hatching my own eggs (bought) for the breed i want. I can’t have roosters where i live. And i know the ratio is 50:50 for hatching eggs. SO if i did end up getting roosters, i want to know what i can do with them except for culling because i WONT be the one doing it. Thanks.

Also where, in any part, did i say i was breeding chickens?

Breeding chickens = hatching chicken eggs

 

[KelseyBoxer]

We have weekly auction in Salem county every Tues. You drop them off and they send you a check in the mail. (minus the fee). They sell everything from chicks, roosters, ducks, turkeys, eggs even big rolls of hay. I have sold many chicks, eggs and cockerels there.

 

[CKfarm22]

Then don't breed chickens.

I’m not breeding chickens. I don’t even have a rooster. I have 2 hens. And thought about hatching my own eggs (bought) for the breed i want. I can’t have roosters where i live. And i know the ratio is 50:50 for hatching eggs. SO if i did end up getting roosters, i want to know what i can do with them except for culling because i WONT be the one doing it. Thanks.

Also where, in any part, did i say i was breeding chickens?

 

[CKfarm22]

Enjoy your 2 hens

No need for the rude comment either. Did you not read the other parts of me saying “i want to EXPAND MY FLOCK”????? I have had 2 chicken deaths not due to my care. I don’t need your rude comments

 

[KelseyBoxer]

The auction is at Cedar Lane Feeds. Its just outside of Elmer. The price varies depending on how many people show up with animals.. Sometimes the display cages are full, but that seems to be in the spring. They also sell goats, pigs, cows and general stuff that people bring in. Auction starts at 1. All entries need to be there by 12pm. You do not have to stay for the auction, they pay by check the next day. If you want to buy, they take checks, cards and cash.

 

[lifein1840]

As the title states, I want to try to incubate eggs (bought from hatchery) but fear roosters (not allowed to have them) …. so i’m asking what would i do with the roosters hatched?

I buy fertile eggs from local 4-H or local chicken raisers. It seems that, usually, about half of the chicks that hatch will be male. I list them on Craig's list and have no problem finding someone that wants or needs them. If I had a place to do it, I would probably butcher them. (I just found a lady that has a good set up for butchering and may see if we can work together next year) Meat is so expensive now, along with feed. They have to earn their keep.

 

[CKfarm22]

This is part of the reason I won't incubate - roosters. And I can have as many as I want here. But if you have a solid plan for dealing with males, you should be ok. Just know that most will become someone's dinner.

I want to do it just because i’ve never done it before and it would be cool for the experience but i’m iffy with with 50:50 ratio

 

[RoyalChick]

I’m in NJ too! What livestock auction is it? And how early would they accept roosters? Although i would probably be attached to it, i know i can not have them

Hackettstown Livestock Auction. I have never actually done it, but I spoke to a lady there who was very friendly and helpful. She told me that roosters/cockerels need to be left at the auction place by 10am.

 

[sdm111]

Same here, i could never cull a bird just because my stomach would get queasy. I’m too much of a animal lover

Then don't breed chickens.