Icelandic Chickens

[mlm Mike]

I finally got a chance to get over to my neighbor's house to candle the eggs.....of the 19 Icelandic eggs, three were pulled. One was clear, one had a blood ring and one looked like a quitter, maybe day five?
I now have two broodies; one pullet and one hen that raised two sets of chicks last year. I will be moving them tonight to "private quarters" and see if they stick. I will split the 16 remaining eggs between them if they continue to sit on the new nests.

that they accept the new accommodations.

Good Luck!

 

[NotAFarm]

Quote: Mike, Do you have any Icelandics in the incubator or under broodies?

 

[mlm Mike]

Quote: Mike, Do you have any Icelandics in the incubator or under broodies?
Not yet, I will be setting some for our April hatch a long:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-2016-april-hatch-a-long-hosted-by-mike-sally​

"Springing in the Chicks"
2016 April Hatch-a-Long​

Hosted by Mike & Sally​

​

Set Eggs ANYTIME in April​

EVERYONE is Welcome!​

Set whenever you wish as long as eggs are in the incubators or under hens any day in April! To join us simply post in the thread and say hello and what you plan on hatching!​

We are certain you will find new friends, excellent incubation help,​

laughter fun and a few Cool New Contests along the way!​

​

If you have a question just post it on the thread, Everyone is helpful! ​

 

[NotAFarm]

I'm sure I'll be joining that one....I should say, I'm sure some of the girls will be joining!!

 

[mlm Mike]

I'm sure I'll be joining that one....I should say, I'm sure some of the girls will be joining!!

Great! I'm hoping some of my girls do too, but I'm starting eggs in the incubator anyways.

 

[NotAFarm]

Quote: Around here, the "broody bug" is contagious. Once the two current broodies have chicks, the others will think they need chicks and the next thing you know....no eggs, just pullets/hens sitting everywhere! I like when they hatch close together, then when the hens wean the chicks (varies but usually 5 to 6 weeks old), I can put the weanlings in a separate coop to bond with each other and let them "get over momma". I let them out each evening when the main flock has gone to roost and give them special treats. After a four or five days, I let them out in the morning with the flock and see how things go. The separation, while not necessary, is helpful to keep the chicks safe while they realize that momma doesn't want them around anymore. I have barn cats that never mess with chicks that have a momma but might take advantage of a chick that is scurrying around acting desperate and peeping in a frightened way. This is especially helpful when there is a singleton and it is so focused on being with momma because they have not had siblings to bond with. Once the chicks are accustomed to being in "their own mini flock", when they are out, they stay together and watch out for danger in the way their mommas taught them. Typing this, I just made myself even more anxious for some chicks! With a full moon on Wednesday, I'm thinking early hatchers for sure!!

 

[mlm Mike]

Quote: Around here, the "broody bug" is contagious. Once the two current broodies have chicks, the others will think they need chicks and the next thing you know....no eggs, just pullets/hens sitting everywhere! I like when they hatch close together, then when the hens wean the chicks (varies but usually 5 to 6 weeks old), I can put the weanlings in a separate coop to bond with each other and let them "get over momma". I let them out each evening when the main flock has gone to roost and give them special treats. After a four or five days, I let them out in the morning with the flock and see how things go. The separation, while not necessary, is helpful to keep the chicks safe while they realize that momma doesn't want them around anymore. I have barn cats that never mess with chicks that have a momma but might take advantage of a chick that is scurrying around acting desperate and peeping in a frightened way. This is especially helpful when there is a singleton and it is so focused on being with momma because they have not had siblings to bond with. Once the chicks are accustomed to being in "their own mini flock", when they are out, they stay together and watch out for danger in the way their mommas taught them. Typing this, I just made myself even more anxious for some chicks! With a full moon on Wednesday, I'm thinking early hatchers for sure!!
The broody bug is contagious here too. No one has come down with it yet this year though.

 

[Jake Levi]

No hens here so no broodies, just the eggs in the hatcher due for Sunday but I have always had early hatchers so will be watching from Thurs on and expecting many on Sat. We shall see what will be.

Counting down the days.

 

[drumstick diva]

Hope you have a good hatch Jake

 

[mlm Mike]

Hope you have a good hatch Jake

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