Illinois...

[SnootyHen]

Thanks so much everyone!!

@homeschoolin momma that's awesome! Does he have any advice for a young hopeful?

 

[Faraday40]

DS's "trial 2" (aka turkey eggs) went into the incubator today. We'll find out soon how their postal journey across the Chicagoland area affects the hatch rate.
"trial 1" (aka Easter hatch-along) is progressing nicely.

Normally, I use a broody to raise my chicks. I have been fortunate to get a volunteer hen for every hatch for the past two years..... and there's been plenty of hatching! As of yesterday, I still do not have a dedicated broody hen ready to adopt. (a few may be thinking about it, but no strong sitting)

I went all out and made a "broody trap." I began yesterday by leaving 8 eggs in the nice cozy, darkened nest. I also put Coge and her "peeping" silkie chicks within earshot of the bantam coop. Nothing makes a hen want to become a mom more than the sound of chicks. For a little while today both silkies were sharing the nest but tonight, my serama Popcorn is pancaked over a dozen eggs. (She's been in/out frequently for a few days, so she's a maybe.) On one hand, I want a broody to care for the Spitzhaubens about to hatch. On the other hand, I hope I don't get overwhelmed by broody fever.

 

[SnootyHen]

I need a broody trap! Millie is broody more often than she's not but of course because my cousin had babies ready on Wednesday, she's not broody now.

 

[Molpet]

I have a turkey hen that I think is broody. She has been sitting since last night. I gave her eight 13 day old eggs. She also has 2 fresh and 2 bait. Time will tell if she sticks to it.

 

[Faraday40]

My broody trap is working. Popcorn is all grumbly and hasn't moved at all since yesterday afternoon. The next test will be when the other hens begin to lay eggs today. Will she give up, command them to use another nest or let them in and steal their eggs.

 

[Molpet]

My broody trap is working. Popcorn is all grumbly and hasn't moved at all since yesterday afternoon. The next test will be when the other hens begin to lay eggs today. Will she give up, command them to use another nest or let them in and steal their eggs.

I vote steal eggs

 

[SnootyHen]

Steal those eggs, Popcorn!!!!

 

[Justso]

I have 16 eggs clammed up in my incubator for hatching on the 28th.
Now time will slow to a crawl while I wait for these little guys gals to come out!

 

[Faraday40]

I have 16 eggs clammed up in my incubator for hatching on the 28th.
Now time will slow to a crawl while I wait for these little guys gals to come out!

I know that feeling well. Can't wait until I can lock down the Easter hatch. Orps, Spitzes and a few seramas coming soon.

What's in your incubator? (breeds)

 

[Justso]

All crossed with my Arkansas Blue rooster:
Arkansas Blue
Silveruud (light green egg x Blue = aqua eggs?)
Plus a couple polish (couldn't resist, offspring will be just nutty)
Olive egger (offspring should have "spearmint" green eggs)