I decided to lockdown early, day 17, due to my toddler catching a stomach bug. Hoping it’s just her (she’s already on the mend). I don’t want to the run the risk it’s contagious and going to get passed around the family. The incubator was prepped today to make sure it gets done.
I like to wedge paper towels around the base, unplug and pull the turner, add shelf liner, and mark air cells. Then position eggs to have the best chance of seeing their pips. The paper towels are for easy cleanup.
17 out of 36 made it to lockdown. Not great numbers but its worked out ok. This was always intended to be the start of a flock. I have chicks arriving tonight or tomorrow morning. Then 2 dozen eggs being shipped in next week. With one or two extras snuck in from Tractor Supply that’ll be it for the year. Ideally after growing out and culling I’ll have 12-15 keeper hens and 2-3 roosters.
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