Had 41 mail order eggs in the incubator, from 2 different breeders. All arrived well packed and in good condition appearance wise. On day 21 nothing happened, Day 22 once hatched. Today is day 23 and I had one more hatch and one pip. Still holding out hope some more will hatch. I am afraid this is going to be a very expensive 3 chickens. I am assuming my thermometer might show higher temps that reality and the incubator was actually a little cool. The 2 that hatched are very healthy looking though.
Not a knock on the breeders, of course they have no control over how the eggs are handled after they leave their hands. I was hoping since all of the eggs only came from about 280 miles their chances of hatching would be pretty good.
I didn't candle or anything so I don't know how fertile they were, I have no reason to doubt the statements from the breeds about the high rate of fertility of their eggs.
I think it's just tough to hatch chickens from eggs that have gone through the post office. Sure wish I had some Silkie breeders closer by.
Not a knock on the breeders, of course they have no control over how the eggs are handled after they leave their hands. I was hoping since all of the eggs only came from about 280 miles their chances of hatching would be pretty good.
I didn't candle or anything so I don't know how fertile they were, I have no reason to doubt the statements from the breeds about the high rate of fertility of their eggs.
I think it's just tough to hatch chickens from eggs that have gone through the post office. Sure wish I had some Silkie breeders closer by.
