Marans Madness March Hatch Along.....

[cthrash1]

Guess you could say momma hen is in lockdown for Wednesday, St Pattys Day!!!! Do you guys know how much harder the wait is when you use a broody instead of a bator? At least you can peak in to watch the eggs wiggle in a bator can't with a momma. My nails will be nubs by Wednesday!!!!

 

[drom]

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I am at day 11 and I want to candle my eggs because I think a couple from one hen might not be fertile because I was never able to confirm the rooster bred her. So anyway, what do all you guys use to candle your marans eggs? I tried with a flashlight and a tube from a toilet paper roll-what a joke. What on earth do you use to see through those shells? I looked at some flashlights at the store over the weekend. The brightest one had 130 lumens. Not sure that would be strong enough.

 

[pinkchick]

Drom~

Sorry, no pic......but here is a link that describes what I use for candling. Works great for me. I can even see enough into the Marans egg to know if it is veining by about 10 days but usually after that I can't see anything so I just leave the dark eggs alone.
Hope this helps.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3768944#p3768944

 

[brkuk]

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I'm on lock down on St. Pattys day also for 23 BCM and my son's b-day is Thursday. Big Week ahead.

 

[pinkchick]

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I'm on lock down on St. Pattys day also for 23 BCM and my son's b-day is Thursday. Big Week ahead.

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

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This is what I use...

http://www.coastportland.com/produc...0¡1104¡1103¡1058¡1046¡139¿&mastCat=6&catid=26

It's only 90 lumen, but it works well enough for me to spot a clear from a "something". I can't believe it's only 90 lumen...it has a laser warning on it about shining it into peoples' eyes and it will stun somebody for a sec if you do. Great for parties!

 

[Zgoatlady]

My Husband made me a box with a hole and a nice bright light so far it works great. He also made two different sizes for the hole so I can do smaller eggs.

 

[drom]

thanks guys!!
I am at 12 days, so I hope it's not too late. I looked at the coast flashlights on line, but couldn't find the one I wanted in the store. But I thought I had to have at least a 150 lumens or so.

I might try the can or an oatmeal container tonight with a light. If that doesn't work, I will look for one of the coast flashlights.

Ok, i tried the metal can and the light last night with a very bright light. Nothing. I did definitely see an air cell in one. I don't think that means much. But two others just looked entirely dark.

 

[Illia]

Lockdown today!!!

I put my remaining 11 BCM, 6 W/BW with the last 3 Ameraucana eggs on the wire, and let them sit out their last three days. Since my mom has been soooo uppidy about the humidity being JUST right, I've been looking up "not enough" info on what humidity level is right, and ended up just sticking with about 50% until the hatch date, I'm going to increase it to 60% or 65%

My only true worry is - Since it is a forced air incubator, the humidity likes to go down about 10% overnight, soo. . . Will that hurt them? If I have to increase it back up 10% each morning? Because that is how it has been from day 1-18, but this is lockdown. . . A much pickier stage I would assume.

Just want to make sure I don't have all the issues lots of people seem to have with Marans. . . I got 100% fertility with my BCM eggs, so I'd better get a good hatch rate. And with only 6 wheaties, I'd better get them ALL to hatch!

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Out of my eggs that hit 108 I got 10 chicks well 11, 1 was a OE I still am in shock I cant beleive 1 hatched much less 11..I am amazed I guess I should be glad it was in my still air...
Still have 1 more batch in the bator opps 2 more batches and I think I am done... Well at least with hatching BCM's I am going too let those girls give it a shot this time..

I need to make room for my OEGB's and silkies

Good luck everyone Happy hatching to all!!!!