Laree's "I CAN'T STOP MYSELF FROM HATCHING!!!" Hatch-a-long

[Hurley]

Waiting on 2 lonely Welsh Harlequin duck eggs to hatch, planning on setting as many Iowa Blue eggs as I can get my hands on next week. DH accidentally killed off my burgeoning flock of Iowa Blue chicks, so starting over. Picture me clucking and hovering over the incubator for 3 weeks, pecking anyone coming within 10 feet of my incubator.

 

[1muttsfan]

Quote:
Does he have a brother?

 

[NoseyChickens]

Quote:
Yes I checked her from head to toe. I checked all over the yard, moved the coop and run. Nothing. I've been having a problem with the squirrels stealing aggs and was worried this could happen. I'm so upset. I took the other three eggs inside and it looks like they had quit a while ago. So no Ameraucanas for me today.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
Yes I checked her from head to toe. I checked all over the yard, moved the coop and run. Nothing. I've been having a problem with the squirrels stealing aggs and was worried this could happen. I'm so upset. I took the other three eggs inside and it looks like they had quit a while ago. So no Ameraucanas for me today.

I'm so sorry, that STINKS! I had 2 broodies lose their only hatched chicks both in the past week so I know how frustrating it is to wait 3 weeks then have nothing. I was just hoping in the panic of the moment that the chick was just well hidden.

(for both of us)

 

[NoseyChickens]

Quote:
Yes I checked her from head to toe. I checked all over the yard, moved the coop and run. Nothing. I've been having a problem with the squirrels stealing aggs and was worried this could happen. I'm so upset. I took the other three eggs inside and it looks like they had quit a while ago. So no Ameraucanas for me today.

I'm so sorry, that STINKS! I had 2 broodies lose their only hatched chicks both in the past week so I know how frustrating it is to wait 3 weeks then have nothing. I was just hoping in the panic of the moment that the chick was just well hidden.

(for both of us)

So sorry SCG. It just sucks. On an up note I was surprised by a delivery of chocolate cover strawberries in the mail from my stepmom. So I had some serious comfort food after I first discovered the chick was gone.

 

[babymakes6]

Quote:
I didn't have any trouble with the new incubator I made, it was with the little one I tried first, which looks exactly like the one that is pictured on the first post of this thread. I think the cover was too loose. I also think the eggs were too cramped. I really should have only put two in there, I think, but I wanted a higher hatch rate. I ended up sabotaging my own effort! I have plenty of room in this one! The cover fits tight and it can be sealed with duct tape, if needed! When I was using a wattage that was too hot, I popped holes in the side, then figured out I needed a 15 watt, not a 25, and it was easy to seal up the holes too! It looks a little beat up but it is doing great!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/89954_img_1128.jpg


Is my humidity really too high? I have read so many conflicting numbers! It is pretty confusing! I have heard anywhere from 40 to 60%, so I stuck with 50%, trying to stick in the middle. I guess I can take some of the water out and that will help. If you think 40% for the first 18 days, what do you think I should try for when I go into lockdown? I am trying to get as much info as I can but I feel like I'm running around in circles! I do not want to screw this up!!!

Here's the inside:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/89954_img_1129.jpg

Reread my post.....

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
I'm so sorry, that STINKS! I had 2 broodies lose their only hatched chicks both in the past week so I know how frustrating it is to wait 3 weeks then have nothing. I was just hoping in the panic of the moment that the chick was just well hidden.

(for both of us)

So sorry SCG. It just sucks. On an up note I was surprised by a delivery of chocolate cover strawberries in the mail from my stepmom. So I had some serious comfort food after I first discovered the chick was gone.

Anything chocolate sounds nice. I got 24 eggs in the mail from Muggs, ate more than I'd like to admit of some pizza and ice cream, and if I didn't have the pleasure of being on call tonight there would have also been some adult beverages mixed in with that, too. I'm already feeling better.

You need a squirrel trap and a .22 rifle. And some more chocolate.

 

[meepitqueenie]

Loaded my new eco 20 with 34 eggs today....

Hubby was like are you wanting me to build you a new chicken barn???? or are you going to sell some of the chickens....

I was like wellllll....

........ I'm planning to sell some..... but I may need a new pen or two.

 

[Justuschicks]

Quote:
I didn't have any trouble with the new incubator I made, it was with the little one I tried first, which looks exactly like the one that is pictured on the first post of this thread. I think the cover was too loose. I also think the eggs were too cramped. I really should have only put two in there, I think, but I wanted a higher hatch rate. I ended up sabotaging my own effort! I have plenty of room in this one! The cover fits tight and it can be sealed with duct tape, if needed! When I was using a wattage that was too hot, I popped holes in the side, then figured out I needed a 15 watt, not a 25, and it was easy to seal up the holes too! It looks a little beat up but it is doing great!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/89954_img_1128.jpg


Is my humidity really too high? I have read so many conflicting numbers! It is pretty confusing! I have heard anywhere from 40 to 60%, so I stuck with 50%, trying to stick in the middle. I guess I can take some of the water out and that will help. If you think 40% for the first 18 days, what do you think I should try for when I go into lockdown? I am trying to get as much info as I can but I feel like I'm running around in circles! I do not want to screw this up!!!

Here's the inside:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/89954_img_1129.jpg

Reread my post.....

Your bator doesn't need to be super air tight. Remember how nature hatches eggs. The hen gets up from time to time to eat/drink. Fresh air is important. I would suggest using your covered holes to adjust the humidity. I would leave at least 1 open just for fresh air and then use the rest to adjust the humidity level.

No more chicks yet. I moved my little guy to the brooder. I swear I think it is a boy. It has a decent single comb and the beginnings of waddles already. I will have to take a pic if I have time. The other eggs are pretty quiet but I did see that one has pipped thru inner membrane. I will keep y'al posted.

Sorry to hear about the lost baby. Poor sweet baby.

 

[kannna]

Quote:
Does he have a brother?

He does actually. A twin. But he's not of the same mind. I got the good one.