I want to start hatching ... advice

[TwoChicks]

Hello all -

I have become a first time chicken owner and addict as of March 2nd when I got my first baby peeps. It's escalated quickly from 4 to 31 in about 2 months.

So, I want to take the next step and hatch some of my own babies.

What type of incubator do you like, pros? cons?

What equipment is needed?

What publications are helpful?

What would you do/not do over again?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Alanna

 

[elmo]

I like Old English Game bantam hens. They do all the work, you get all the fun.

 

[LeBlackbird]

I recomend The Forced air hovabator picture window! It's a good 'bator

You need the bator, a empty electric socket to plug in bator, If your not turning by hand, then you need an auto turner. You need a small brooder for the babies, I like to keep a smalle watering can with a narrow tip to put water in the bator. That's all I can think of now!

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology/
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKIncubation.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/di0631.html

I would keep using my little watering can (Very helpful!)
I will not hatch eggs in a carton (utter failure!)

 

[LeBlackbird]

The picture window is near the bottom, but any forced air hovabater is very Effective!

http://www.strombergschickens.com/products/basic_incubators.php

 

[Rebel Rooster]

GQF Manufacturing (Georgia Quail Farm) has about the best prices on all that you need via the net: www.gqfmfg.com/store/front.asp

 

[BeccaOH]

Just be warned that once you start, hatching is an addiction that is hard to stop even when you are overrun with chicks.

Be sure you know what you are going to do with those chicks.

Also can be an expensive hobby if you have to buy your egg supply.

Start simple and learn the basics. I started with a still-air LG that I borrowed from a friend. I hand turned and monitored those eggs fanatically. Had an awesome hatch rate on shipped eggs. Something like 85%. Thought that was the norm.

Even though I hatch more now, use 3 incubators upgraded with fans and such, and tried turners, my hatch rate actually went down. Now I'm starting with a new Dickey cabinet incubator.

 

[jamesrm]

At Your current escalation rate save some effort and hatch rate and get a gqf sportsman 1502. Best 550 you will spend on a bator. Get a auto humidity kit too.