Kids Trader Joe's eggs hatched! - Update on Joey on post #147

[GardeNerd]

There was a dozen eggs that were just "cage free/ free range" that were the control group. I added these extras that the two chicks came from, from the same kind Joey came out of, to make sure we duplicated the same conditions that would cause the eggs to develop. Their eggs were in the batch, but not the control. I planned to take them out once we had confirmation of development or not in the control dozen. I didn't have the heart to do it. I let these two stay in until hatch. I think I may have someone to take the chicks. Nothing definate.

 

[GardeNerd]

The neighbor did not end up taking the two new babies that are the same kind as Joey. She was worried about age differences with the 3 week olds she took. I agreed. I still have to find a home for them. Anyone want them who is local? They are too old to ship.

I have come to the conclusion that Joey is a Hy-Line 36. http://www.hyline.com/aspx/products/products.aspx?navid=3
Based on what I read at Hy-Line's website, the 36 is docile. I would describe Joey as docile for sure. So far she has been as docile as my Buff Orpington and 3 BAs actually, and much more than my EEs and my BRs.

Yeah! We are finally decided for sure: Joey stays!!!!! (unless on some rare chance she starts crowing in a few months. I have found homes for our other extra hatchery chicks. Joey is one of the 6 we will keep since our plan all along was to have 4 to 6 chickens. She made the cut out of the 13 we had (11 from Welp+Joey and the BO) I'll update again with pics when she is full grown.

Thanks for following the thread and sharing our adventure in incubation and for all of those who gave us encouragement and advice along the way. Good luck to anyone else who decides to try! It was heartbreaking, educational, anxiety causing, patience testing, electricity wasting, messy, and absolutely fabulous fun! My kids said "This was the best science project ever! " They want to do it again next year. Well see. Thanks.

 

[chickenlove2009]

i don't know if anyone helped you with your sexing or not but here is my input.

place the chicks on there back on the palm of your hand. hold them there until they stop squirming. if its a hen it will lay there if it is a roo in will immediately try to flip back over.

hope that helps.

 

[GardeNerd]

Quote:
Thank you for the suggestion. I will try. Does it work only with the day olds or does it work with older ones too?

 

[tamatik]

"place the chicks on there back on the palm of your hand. hold them there until they stop squirming. if its a hen it will lay there if it is a roo in will immediately try to flip back over."

I have the same theory but with a slite twist (no pun intended)

with 2 fingers and thumb.GENTLY pic chick up by the neck..it will struggle momentarily..if it stops and doesnt start again(no its not dead) its a hen ,,if it strugg;les alot,,its a roo

 

[OCchickens]

I'm on day 13 with my TJ's hatch -- 8 eggs developing & looking beautiful.

 

[GardeNerd]

Quote:
Yeah! What are you going to do if they all hatch?

 

[zippy11455]

GardeNerd I was looking at the pictures on you BYC page. Your yard looks like a Garden of Eden. Your son and daughter will have such wonderful memories of their childhood. They will never forget Joey the Trader Joe chicken. I can imagine the conversations at family gatherings 30 yrs from now. The time they hatched a chick will be a part of family lore.

 

[GardeNerd]

zippy11455 wrote:

I can imagine the conversations at family gatherings 30 yrs from now. The time they hatched a chick will be a part of family lore.

Wow, I had not thought of it that way.

I was just telling my husband today, out of all the chickens, Joey will get to live here until old age regardless of production. She is quiet, gentle, and patient with the kids and me.

If any of my hens ever get broody, forget the fancy shipped eggs; I am going to Trader Joes.​

 

[OCchickens]

Quote:
Yeah! What are you going to do if they all hatch?

Hatch first, worry later about what to do with all of them!!

I guess I'll try to find them I good home if I end up with too many.

I just looked at the pictures of your beautiful coop & run. I'm so impressed! I especially loved your daughter's murals! What lucky chickens.