Incubating Eggs of different ages

[liljunie]

Were you using an egg turner? Thanks that is great info! I would need to remove the egg turner on day 18 or 19 for the 1st hatching, and continue turning the others by hand but keeping them all together?

 

[yellowflower]

No, I don't have a turner, I like turning by hand. I put a seperator in the incubator to keep the 2 sets apart. I knew I wouldn't know what was what if I didn't. I just took some hardware cloth and cut it to make a fence sort of. I wish I had taken a picture. If you had a plastic basket that you could fit the eggs in I would imagine that would work also.

 

[cityhenhouse]

I did this for the first time last week. I had 11 leghorn and 7 bantam, out of those 3 bantams hatch out perfect but nothing esle. I didnt relize that i had to take the eggs out of the incubator when they start to hatch? the directions said to leave them in there until they dry
????

 

[liljunie]

I have read keep them inside until they are dry, but I have done it both ways (taken them out wet and dry).

I will definitely divide the incubator...this is the most eggs I have hatched at one time!!

 

[Irishgirl]

Sorry for the late response, I've been up to my ears in baby chicks and eggs all week.

Liljunie, I take the chicks out of the bator when they're wet and move them to a pre-warmed brooder.
Cityhenhouse,

! I'm sorry your hatch didin't go so well.

My first hatch, 2 of 20 hatched. Just love those 3 that much more!

 

[cityhenhouse]

thank you I was pretty bummed , was hoping i didnt do something wrong. But I will try again . I thought it was very cool watching those tiny little chicks hatch!!

 

[cityhenhouse]

ok I just pick up some eggs at a friends to try and hatch out but they are pretty dirty , should i wash them first or will that harm them?

 

[Irishgirl]

You should never wash hatching eggs. Washing them destroys the coating that keeps out bacteria. I just set a bunch of eggs too! If you want company for your hatch, I'd suggest the April Hatch Thread. Lots of good advice and support, plus a lot of people are on there, so any questions get answered fairly quickly. Good luck with your hatch!

 

[Irishgirl]

I just hatched 2 goslings! They are adorable, and they think I'm their momma!

Anyone else hatch anything lately?

 

[EledaWV]

Great ideas!