INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[kittydoc]

I forgot to mention my weird experiences with this hatch regarding the really late but alive chicks in the shell.

I candled my last four lav eggs tonight. The rest hatched just 1-2 days late, and my lavs have always seemed to want to hatch a day or two before the other colors/breeds. So I went two days with no pips, and I opened the rest up. All dead in the shell. One had pipped internally but I never heard it (or I would have gotten it out). Another was malpositioned and never could have pipped. One late quitter. One ???

So I start checking my blue Orps. I thought one was dead and was in the middle of an egg-topsy when it moved. I had removed too much membrane to put it back together, so it died....sigh. I think maybe I see movement in one or two remaining eggs, so I'm leaving them alone. I had another that looked bad, but as soon as I could see clearly after taking the top off the air space, it was moving! At least with this one I had not touched the inner membrane, so I capped it with a clean shell and will check it daily now that I know it's alive. It hadn't pipped internally yet. This has been the craziest hatch. The only good thing is that so far they have either been perfectly healthy or they've gone quickly, no weak ones.

I don't know how long to wait on the Bieles. They have such dark shells that you can see a little, like the air space, and if there is still much liquid, but I don't know about movement in those. I'll wait them out another couple of days, then probably check one by opening it up. I have more coming, but am bummed that I only got two and both were boys. I suspect since the two healthy boys hatched a couple of days ago that the last six may be duds due to my incubator fluctuations. Or a few may be like my blues and still be alive...crazy.

My next few (only about 8-10 I think) are technically due today, but I'm thinking more like Sunday. Hopefully the rest from Batch 1 will have gotten off the pot by then (Day 28!!!!).

I'm just going to have to invest in more reliable equipment. Really disappointed in my Eco-40 though my Eco-20 works fine.

 

[chick rookie]

@jchny2000 Oh, I hope you are mistaken about Huey...

In happier news, we both became grandma's to a bunch of lavender Orp chicks in the last day, still 4 more eggs left to hatch. All healthy and darling and super fluffy! Roadrunner has done well with my girls.

congrats on the hatch

So getting frustrated with hatching. I had 1 of 8 make it. all because I helped this one out

I got very upset when I started hatching last year, almost just gave up!! just one of those things.

hopein your next is better.

Sorry to hear about the missing hen. Great news on the other critters! I am full swing on hatching, But only to fill orders from my wait list. I plan to wrap it up earlier this year too..(famous last words lol)
If you think about it, can you watch the cattle prices at rockville? I would really appreciate it. My neighbor and I were discussing calves, and I think he is planning to go over there.


WTG Roadrunner!! His brother is a real ladies man too

Thanks! I like the Hampshires personality a lot, my boar, Oreo is a big baby. DoubleStuff the sow is too, but she wants to jump up on you! She is a bit too big for that, lol. The little berkshire sow is coming around really well now. She was my most "nervous" pig. So far she is doing great with the babies.

Thanks stuff happens I guess.... I really like the BAs and that was my last one, not having much luck with them this last batch. Will have to find some more and try again once we get settled in at the new place. VERY happy with the SLW/GLW/BCM and finally settled on Black sexlink They are Awesome, they STAY home, good with the other hens, don't take no crap off the roosters, good hunters and give me an egg EVERY day and they are good large eggs too.
Will be happy to watch the calves for ya. DH love any excuse to stay for the cattle sale... lol

Nearly impossible to get a picture of all 7 piglets! This was the best picture out of all on them.

They are already running all over the livestock trailer, lol. Next sow is due in less than a month, she is an Old spot. Will be Hamp/Spot crosses.

They are SOOO tiny..... didn't realize they were that tiny when born.

I forgot to mention my weird experiences with this hatch regarding the really late but alive chicks in the shell.

I candled my last four lav eggs tonight. The rest hatched just 1-2 days late, and my lavs have always seemed to want to hatch a day or two before the other colors/breeds. So I went two days with no pips, and I opened the rest up. All dead in the shell. One had pipped internally but I never heard it (or I would have gotten it out). Another was malpositioned and never could have pipped. One late quitter. One ???

So I start checking my blue Orps. I thought one was dead and was in the middle of an egg-topsy when it moved. I had removed too much membrane to put it back together, so it died....sigh. I think maybe I see movement in one or two remaining eggs, so I'm leaving them alone. I had another that looked bad, but as soon as I could see clearly after taking the top off the air space, it was moving! At least with this one I had not touched the inner membrane, so I capped it with a clean shell and will check it daily now that I know it's alive. It hadn't pipped internally yet. This has been the craziest hatch. The only good thing is that so far they have either been perfectly healthy or they've gone quickly, no weak ones.

I don't know how long to wait on the Bieles. They have such dark shells that you can see a little, like the air space, and if there is still much liquid, but I don't know about movement in those. I'll wait them out another couple of days, then probably check one by opening it up. I have more coming, but am bummed that I only got two and both were boys. I suspect since the two healthy boys hatched a couple of days ago that the last six may be duds due to my incubator fluctuations. Or a few may be like my blues and still be alive...crazy.

My next few (only about 8-10 I think) are technically due today, but I'm thinking more like Sunday. Hopefully the rest from Batch 1 will have gotten off the pot by then (Day 28!!!!).

I'm just going to have to invest in more reliable equipment. Really disappointed in my Eco-40 though my Eco-20 works fine.

you are having crazy hatches. Sorry about the duds and such after all that I would have gave up I think.

 

[chick rookie]

Got a very rude awakening this morning, Woke up cause the pup had to go out and I just crawled off the couch ( the bed hurts my back so I sleep on the couch ) and heard someone jiggling the front door knob Hard, ran in to wake DH and he was already awake due to someone shinning a flash light into the bedroom window, Called the cops while he got dressed and then the dumb butt went out to check out things, and he went out with a few of his friends... ( 9 mm ) We are guessing the dogs going off scared off whoever it was cause there was no one around. This was at 3:30 am.
Monday someone ransacked our trucks and now this!!! Cant wait to get the heck out of here.
Last Saturday am not quite daylight yet we had a hit and run right in front of or place, you could tell the guy that ran was high on something or just plain drunk. And by the looks of his car this happened allot with him.
Our neighbor 2 doors down was broke into in the middle of the day, while they were gone at work Wednesday. ( couldn't have happened to 2 nicer people ) Sarcasm... Sorry just couldn't help myself.
I guess it was our turn today, BUT we have 2 XLarge, 4lg and 1 med size dogs that had a different plan in mind. I LOVE MY DOGS!!!!!
Here's hoping the rest of the day goes better.

 

[tmctlt]

Got a very rude awakening this morning, Woke up cause the pup had to go out and I just crawled off the couch ( the bed hurts my back so I sleep on the couch ) and heard someone jiggling the front door knob Hard, ran in to wake DH and he was already awake due to someone shinning a flash light into the bedroom window, Called the cops while he got dressed and then the dumb butt went out to check out things, and he went out with a few of his friends... ( 9 mm ) We are guessing the dogs going off scared off whoever it was cause there was no one around. This was at 3:30 am.
Monday someone ransacked our trucks and now this!!! Cant wait to get the heck out of here.
Last Saturday am not quite daylight yet we had a hit and run right in front of or place, you could tell the guy that ran was high on something or just plain drunk. And by the looks of his car this happened allot with him.
Our neighbor 2 doors down was broke into in the middle of the day, while they were gone at work Wednesday. ( couldn't have happened to 2 nicer people ) Sarcasm... Sorry just couldn't help myself.
I guess it was our turn today, BUT we have 2 XLarge, 4lg and 1 med size dogs that had a different plan in mind. I LOVE MY DOGS!!!!!
Here's hoping the rest of the day goes better.

Wow.....well that's not good, sure glad you folks are okay and they didn't get in!! My understanding is there's been a rash of vehicle break ins around Avon as well....We had a couple of issues very early on when we first moved out here 25+ yrs. ago... but nothing per se until the economy went south ( alot of desperate people out there ) and far too many using Meth etc. which throws another dynamic into the picture. I wish you the very best of luck on your move which I'm sure can't happen soon enough now!!!

Paul

 

[tmarsh83]

Chick update and question.

They're growing fast. Feathering out, and starting to look like real chickens. I was a little concerned about one of the marans being a roo because of comb development, but it has slowed and isn't showing any signs of turning pink, so I think we're in the clear with that one. Cochin I still suspect will be a roo because it was the bonus bird from MM, but as the bonus bird, i'm fine with whatever.

They've had a chunk of sod with soil attached with them for the last couple weeks and seem to enjoy pecking around at it and pulling grass.

Here comes the question. How do I know if they've picked up enough grit for some light treats? My birthday was yesterday, so naturally we had tacos for dinner. I gave thought to sharing some lettuce with the little buggers, but how do you know when they're ready for it.

Always something to learn with these heathen birds...lol

 

[Hholly]

Chick update and question.

They're growing fast. Feathering out, and starting to look like real chickens. I was a little concerned about one of the marans being a roo because of comb development, but it has slowed and isn't showing any signs of turning pink, so I think we're in the clear with that one. Cochin I still suspect will be a roo because it was the bonus bird from MM, but as the bonus bird, i'm fine with whatever.

They've had a chunk of sod with soil attached with them for the last couple weeks and seem to enjoy pecking around at it and pulling grass.

Here comes the question. How do I know if they've picked up enough grit for some light treats? My birthday was yesterday, so naturally we had tacos for dinner. I gave thought to sharing some lettuce with the little buggers, but how do you know when they're ready for it.

Always something to learn with these heathen birds...lol

I prepped my chicks by feeding them some chick grit in small amounts a few days apart during weeks two and three. Then i gave them some chopped softer foods like scrambled egg, grapes, strawberries. Then by weeks 4-5 they started getting some chopped kale , chickweed from the yard, and other goodies. They also had access to sand and pebbles at that point. They are now 8 weeks old and can eat anything the older chickens eat. They get out to range in the garden daily too. Good luck!

 

[Hholly]

Here are some more pics of my babies.

These are the younguns.

Some of the older ones.

Elvis watches over the girls as they enjoy the freshly tilled dirt.

 

[iamfivewire]

here's our "Elvis" (in with the leghorn girls to make sapphires in the near future):

 

[Dish chickens]

I forgot to mention my weird experiences with this hatch regarding the really late but alive chicks in the shell.

I candled my last four lav eggs tonight. The rest hatched just 1-2 days late, and my lavs have always seemed to want to hatch a day or two before the other colors/breeds. So I went two days with no pips, and I opened the rest up. All dead in the shell. One had pipped internally but I never heard it (or I would have gotten it out). Another was malpositioned and never could have pipped. One late quitter. One ???

So I start checking my blue Orps. I thought one was dead and was in the middle of an egg-topsy when it moved. I had removed too much membrane to put it back together, so it died....sigh. I think maybe I see movement in one or two remaining eggs, so I'm leaving them alone. I had another that looked bad, but as soon as I could see clearly after taking the top off the air space, it was moving! At least with this one I had not touched the inner membrane, so I capped it with a clean shell and will check it daily now that I know it's alive. It hadn't pipped internally yet. This has been the craziest hatch. The only good thing is that so far they have either been perfectly healthy or they've gone quickly, no weak ones.

I don't know how long to wait on the Bieles. They have such dark shells that you can see a little, like the air space, and if there is still much liquid, but I don't know about movement in those. I'll wait them out another couple of days, then probably check one by opening it up. I have more coming, but am bummed that I only got two and both were boys. I suspect since the two healthy boys hatched a couple of days ago that the last six may be duds due to my incubator fluctuations. Or a few may be like my blues and still be alive...crazy.

My next few (only about 8-10 I think) are technically due today, but I'm thinking more like Sunday. Hopefully the rest from Batch 1 will have gotten off the pot by then (Day 28!!!!).

I'm just going to have to invest in more reliable equipment. Really disappointed in my Eco-40 though my Eco-20 works fine.

I know a lot of people complain about the little giants but that is all I use. Ever since I painted the outside of them I have not had any fluctuating temps or humidity issues. I just had an 83% hatch in them. Best hatch I've had was 97%. I have a forced air with a turner then I have a still air for hatching and I hatch in cut out egg cartons allowing eggs to sit leaning away from low side of air sack. Not for everyone but it works for what I do. I can set 41 eggs at a time and a couple hatches a year plus a few from broody's is WAY more then enough for me.

 

[Faraday40]

Normally we don't dye our Easter eggs. I don't care for the mess & spills. (Not to mention the colored fingers when trying to eat them.) DD explained to DS that other people have to dye their eggs because all they have are boring white ones. LOL

After seeing pics online of all the beautiful colors, I decided to try a few this year. (No white layers here, but a tiny Sebright has very pale cream eggs.) The eggs all came out very bright. Then the kids went to town with the stickers. After everything was cleaned up, DH admired the kids' work then said, "I thought we don't dye eggs here."


I also finished baking 65 Hot Cross Buns for my family & neighbors. The teachers & friends already received theirs, so I am now done - & exhausted.

Here's DD helping with a batch earlier this week. The egg wash gives them that shiny appearance.




BTW- Crista, you may want to take some of these buns with you as you head out to Tmarsh83's new coop.