Incubation...... Is it hard?

[Ellochicken]

Hey guys, I'm going to be incubating eggs in a couple years when my current hens die, so I was wondering if I could get some tips or help about incubation and candling. All comments are great help! I am very excited and I would love to know how before the time comes!

Thanks so much!

-Ellochicken

 

[Zippy007]

I think it is relatively easy but its so addictive

 

[Ellochicken]

I think it is relatively easy but its so addictive

Really?! Well that sounds fun! What brands of Incubators are the best?

-Ellochicken

 

[Brookhavens]

I have raised chickens from chicks before but never hatched any until this past month. I had looked at the incubator pictures that other members have posted here on the forum and decided what would work for me and then went on Youtube and looked up how to build my own incubator. Total cost was about $30 because I had some of the supplies already. It only took a few hours to put it together and I think it took that long because it was my first attempt ever at building something with wiring.

I am on day 15 of my hatch and candled the eggs last night and out of 15 eggs I had moving chicks in 12 of them. I know that number can change in the next few days but I am really happy with the way my incubator has performed so far. The temperature and humidity have remained almost constant the past 2 weeks and I have to say the only "hard" part is turning the eggs every few hours and that is relatively easy because I built a PVC egg turner into my incubator.

As Zippy007 said "it is addictive." Day 21 is next Tuesday and I am already planning on what breed to hatch after that. It is so exciting to see the chicks developing in the eggs and I know this next week is going to kill me with waiting to see them.

 

[DTRM30]

Chickens are addicting ! I have a hard time not getting/hatching more. I have to keep reminding myself, I don't have room for more ... but when I do I'll hatch more.

I used a hova bator 1588 once. It was easy. At least I thought. I found it harder/more of a pain to keep the chicks separate until they were big enough to put in with the big girls.

I also have had a broody hen hatch. that was much easier. She took care of them and I got to sit back and watch.

 

[Ellochicken]

I have raised chickens from chicks before but never hatched any until this past month. I had looked at the incubator pictures that other members have posted here on the forum and decided what would work for me and then went on Youtube and looked up how to build my own incubator. Total cost was about $30 because I had some of the supplies already. It only took a few hours to put it together and I think it took that long because it was my first attempt ever at building something with wiring.

I am on day 15 of my hatch and candled the eggs last night and out of 15 eggs I had moving chicks in 12 of them. I know that number can change in the next few days but I am really happy with the way my incubator has performed so far. The temperature and humidity have remained almost constant the past 2 weeks and I have to say the only "hard" part is turning the eggs every few hours and that is relatively easy because I built a PVC egg turner into my incubator.

As Zippy007 said "it is addictive." Day 21 is next Tuesday and I am already planning on what breed to hatch after that. It is so exciting to see the chicks developing in the eggs and I know this next week is going to kill me with waiting to see them.

Wow! And Congratulations! Keep us updated on your success! i hope you have happy and healthy chicks!

Best Wishes!
-Ellochicken

 

[Ellochicken]

Chickens are addicting ! I have a hard time not getting/hatching more. I have to keep reminding myself, I don't have room for more ... but when I do I'll hatch more.

I used a hova bator 1588 once. It was easy. At least I thought. I found it harder/more of a pain to keep the chicks separate until they were big enough to put in with the big girls.

I also have had a broody hen hatch. that was much easier. She took care of them and I got to sit back and watch.

I have to tell myself the same thing, i live in the city, so i can only have a limit of 6 hens and no Roosters

But Thank You for sharing your info! And I have a question; Where did you find your incubator?

-Ellochicken