Mahonri's 3rd Annual, BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[debs_flock]

It makes the humidity toooo high. I do not use the cardboard cartons, because it is a wet mess. I also do not want my eggs wet.

Just my opinion.....

I tried a cardboard carton once and it was a soggy mess. Won't do that again. I've also tried styro cartons a couple of times and I had a couple of chicks that struggled with popping out of the shell because of having to hatch "up". I've gone back to laying the egg on it's side. The chicks seem to have an easier time kicking out, even if they do play pool with the unhatched eggs.

Yes, I think the strong opinions around this topic are why folks get hesitant to offer their advice. No one wants to step on anyone's toes. Some shells are just so thick and I watched a special that Cheryl Cohen had linked once that showed a mother hen helping the babies out by pecking at the shell to loosen it. I figured if mother hens sometimes helped their babies out then I could too. lol

When a chick slows down during the hatch, I find if I tap on the side of the incubator with my finger nail, it seems to throw the chick into overdrive of zipping. I assume they instinctively hear it as Mom.

Deb

 

[Cynthia12]

I tried a cardboard carton once and it was a soggy mess. Won't do that again. I've also tried styro cartons a couple of times and I had a couple of chicks that struggled with popping out of the shell because of having to hatch "up". I've gone back to laying the egg on it's side. The chicks seem to have an easier time kicking out, even if they do play pool with the unhatched eggs.



When a chick slows down during the hatch, I find if I tap on the side of the incubator with my finger nail, it seems to throw the chick into overdrive of zipping. I assume they instinctively hear it as Mom.

Deb

When I see one taking it's time, I get the flashlight out..and, also do the tapping noise like Deb. Usually helps too.
I've thought about trying out the egg cartons, but after reading here, I think I'm seeing more neg. than positive on it.
This waiting for Thursday if fun. I like to start looking for pips the day before..or night before. When you finally see one, you can~I can~finally feel a bit more relaxed, like, yes! Something is going to happen here!
With all of you talking about going to bed, I'm feeling more and more tired, especially since we went out to eat...I had steak, so it's a heavy meal anyway. Nice full tummy. I should sleep well tonight. It's only just going on 9 here.

 

[nightowl223]

I'm finally caught up after two days of playing catch-up. I had 3 silkies hatch yeah!! I'm ready for the next batch. There is something moving in my goose egg, I'm guessing it's a baby goose.

and

 

[nightowl223]

I'm finally caught up after two days of playing catch-up. I had 3 silkies hatch yeah!! I'm ready for the next batch. There is something moving in my goose egg, I'm guessing it's a baby goose.

and

 

[Sphinx]

A trip to chickenstock (where I can purchase UNshipped Marans and Ameraucana hatching eggs) is looking better all the time!

Oh my gosh, chickenstock in ID? From Maine?! If so, wow. I was thinking it was too far for me, and I'm only about 3-4 hours away.



KVMommy, I am so excited that your dh is coming home soon. I vividly remember being so exhausted and having a baby and toddler around the house. My dh isn't military, but he travels a lot for work, so I understand, to a small degree.

 

[coz74]

Get the incubator out of his reach, for Pete's sakes!! It's not going to end well if you don't...


I have hens that consistently lay pointy eggs and others that lay round eggs...and one that appears to lay wannabe golf balls...before I had hundreds of birds I could tell exactly who laid what by shape...and I know it wasn't one hen laying all roos and another laying all pullets, etc...

Has anyone else gotten a handle on this? Is it subtle differences within a hen's standard form?

I agree. I think the shape of our hens' eggs is even more consistent than the color. I have a RIR that lays a very oblong egg. There is no questioning which egg is hers each day. While her eggs have gotten a little larger, the shape is still the same.

 

[drumstick diva]

crazypetlady ' there is doubt that the goose egg has a goose in it ,' why could it be something unwordly???

 

[Cynthia12]

I agree. I think the shape of our hens' eggs is even more consistent than the color. I have a RIR that lays a very oblong egg. There is no questioning which egg is hers each day. While her eggs have gotten a little larger, the shape is still the same.

Same as my red girl. More pointy than alll of the others. She wouldn't be having all boys would she?? Or~~does the size change if they are with a rooster..I haven't got a rooster. ) Can't imagine that making a difference in shape.?

 

[EnnisLakeFarm]

I would like to learn how to feather sex the chicks at least. I will have to try that on this hatch if all goes well.

 

[SunnyDawn]

Quote:
I agree.

If survival of the fittest was always a hard and fast rule, I wouldn't be here.....

Good point. That would be true for a lot of us.

!So after DS decided to wake up and scream for four hours last night and DD waking up early this morning....I just had to fall asleep. And guess what. DS fiddled with the incubator. and the heat was 106!

I am hoping that once again they survive this heatspike. I couldn't have been more than a couple hours like that so I'm hoping the internal temps didn't shoot that thigh.

But after months of not getting to even talk to DH I finally heard his sweet wonderful voice! And he's going to either fly home on the 5th or 10th depending on if they get their job done. And its a 2 day flight...so I'm praying that on th 7th I'll have chickies AND husband.

YEA!!! Congrats!

Tell him welcome home from all us BYCers.

When a chick slows down during the hatch, I find if I tap on the side of the incubator with my finger nail, it seems to throw the chick into overdrive of zipping. I assume they instinctively hear it as Mom.

Deb

LOL Yes I do this too and the flashlight trick. I've even been known to "coo" to the bator when a chick is slowing down. Trying to sound like an encouraging momma hen. DH looks at me like I'm losing my mind when I do this!