January Hatch-a-long 2018

[ChickenHermit]

I'm so excited to see how they turn out! And see how many pullets and cockerels I have. They're all still doing well despite the cold temps here. They're in my shed but have a lamp very close and have towels covering to make sure the warm air stays in.View attachment 1237940

Love seeing all the little fluffles! Can't wait for mine to arrive. Candled this morning (day 16) and still have healthy looking developing eggs, all with movement.

 

[HeritageHenNut]

Did my candling (Day 14) And am somewhat discouraged. Not sure what happened but of the 15 eggs that were looking fantastic on day 7...I only have 3 that look like they're still developing normally and another 2/3 that are iffy. The rest all look like they quit on me. :-(

 

[Cynthia12]

Yes - meee tooo!!! In my early days of hatching I could not, FOR THE LIFE OF ME, understand how I was getting chicks pipping, masses of fluid and dead chicks when I followed the "hatching instructions" to a "T"!! It was only when I read a "Dry Hatch" thread that things made sense to me for a Florida Hatch. We have extremely high humidity, so without any water at all I am getting 40% in the bator. Where are you based Cynthia12?

Im in Utah. I used to get a lot of.. wet.. chicks, and a lot that didn't make it. Dry state here, but still, using a smaller amount works better. I do use some, just not nearly as high as old school suggested.

 

[Cynthia12]

Final count at Day 14 in Sunny Florida is :
7 Marans,
5 2nd Gen OE,
3 1st Gen OE and 1 barnyard mix (but she's a blue hen so I love her)
View attachment 1237880 View attachment 1237879 View attachment 1237882 View attachment 1237880

Beauttiful air cells. I can see why you don't bother with adding water. I used to live in Florida as a kid. I know that humidity there! And, I love me a blue hen.

 

[Cynthia12]

Did my candling (Day 14) And am somewhat discouraged. Not sure what happened but of the 15 eggs that were looking fantastic on day 7...I only have 3 that look like they're still developing normally and another 2/3 that are iffy. The rest all look like they quit on me. :-(

Are they dark eggs by chance? Sometimes you can't see a darn thing on those for a while. I hope you have more than you think.

 

[ChickenHermit]

Are they dark eggs by chance? Sometimes you can't see a darn thing on those for a while. I hope you have more than you think.

X2

Hopefully more are still awake in there. Sometimes it can be really hard to see. Sorry you're having to worry about it though!

 

[gimmie birdies]

I just sent a pic of my avitar to the newspaper, they post pet pics.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Day 18. Pulled the egg Turner and moved to an egg carton. Saw movement on all eggs last night. I'd say they're right on track to hatch Friday.

 

[chickenmama109]

Day 18. Pulled the egg Turner and moved to an egg carton. Saw movement on all eggs last night. I'd say they're right on track to hatch Friday.

View attachment 1238153

Do I turn on day 18 or do I just not open the bator I was gonna candle on day 18 but should I do it on day 17

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Nah, you're fine candling day 18. I just didn't want to forget (busy next few days) to pull the turner. I've had early hatchers before I learned more about proper temperature. This batch looks very good for day 21 hatching but I wanted to be ready. How you feeling about your hatch right now? It feels like these are the longest days for me.