March 2017! Hatch with us!

[WVduckchick]

My boys all go out to our converted horse trailer (we jokingly call is the meat wagon) and they have about a quarter acre run all to themselves. I will end up keeping a couple as breeders, but the rest grow out enough to be processed. In the meantime they have a great quality of life, so I don't feel bad when its 'time.'
Here's their digs:

That's awesome! I love it.

 

[yeye5]

@orrpeople,I understand now and I have great respect for doing things that way. Too many folks want to have their hormone and chemical filled chicken breasts packaged in foam and then pretend they don't know how dinner happened.

Crazy-hatch update: the little newbie peeper from last night is dry, fluffy and cute and is a dark grey. This one looks much more like the ones produced by the pair (Mima, mama who is brooding patiently). But again, she wouldn't have been laying while brooding (?)
I know there are a few species that have the ability to keep a fertilized embryo in stasis until they perceive timing is right or at least better to have young to care for. I've raised sugar gliders and I know for a fact that they can do this. One time a female had a joey more than 3 months after the male was neutered!
Has anyone heard of this in chickens/eggs?

Another question/issue: This morning I checked all the eggs for pips. One egg had a pip in the center rather than in either end. There was what looked like a toenail just outside the shell enough to recognize what it was (I'd hoped it was a beak). I lightly tapped the shell and heard no sound, felt no movement. Is this already a done deal? as in no chance to help because it already died? Or is there something suggested I can try?
Thanks much!

 

[securepeace]

First ever pip this morning! I'm having the big moment that no doubt you all remember. I have no words. Know what I mean?

 

[Cerise1924]

My boys all go out to our converted horse trailer (we jokingly call is the meat wagon) and they have about a quarter acre run all to themselves. I will end up keeping a couple as breeders, but the rest grow out enough to be processed. In the meantime they have a great quality of life, so I don't feel bad when its 'time.'
Here's their digs:

That is a beautiful set-up - a much nicer life for a meat bird than a factory farm. Do you mind if I ask about fencing? I have a half acre, somewhat rocky and partially wooded, and I need to get some fencing in. Was the property fenced when you bought it, or did you hire a fence company, or did you put it in yourself? What kind of affordable fence do you recommend for poultry/dogs? I like the wire fencing you have, because it does not obstruct the view.

 

[lilwildrabbit]

First ever pip this morning! I'm having the big moment that no doubt you all remember. I have no words. Know what I mean?

And now it's on every few minutes watching and looking lol and long into the night watching lol

 

[Cerise1924]

@orrpeople,I understand now and I have great respect for doing things that way. Too many folks want to have their hormone and chemical filled chicken breasts packaged in foam and then pretend they don't know how dinner happened.

Crazy-hatch update: the little newbie peeper from last night is dry, fluffy and cute and is a dark grey. This one looks much more like the ones produced by the pair (Mima, mama who is brooding patiently). But again, she wouldn't have been laying while brooding (?)
I know there are a few species that have the ability to keep a fertilized embryo in stasis until they perceive timing is right or at least better to have young to care for. I've raised sugar gliders and I know for a fact that they can do this. One time a female had a joey more than 3 months after the male was neutered!
Has anyone heard of this in chickens/eggs?

Another question/issue: This morning I checked all the eggs for pips. One egg had a pip in the center rather than in either end. There was what looked like a toenail just outside the shell enough to recognize what it was (I'd hoped it was a beak). I lightly tapped the shell and heard no sound, felt no movement. Is this already a done deal? as in no chance to help because it already died? Or is there something suggested I can try?
Thanks much!

Congratulations on your fluffy grey chick!

About the center-pipped chick. People have strong opinions about intervening, and it is very much a personal choice. I tend to get hands-on with chicks that may be in trouble. I have definitely saved chicks by assisting, and probably lost one by not assisting in time.

There is an excellent thread on assisted hatching here at BYC.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

I use clean tweezers, and very carefully chip away at the hole, stopping immediately if I see red or bleeding. The membrane needs to not have living blood vessels in it, I think is what they explain. A few times, I have been able to help a stuck chick get out. Once, the chick was already gone, so I hadn't done any harm by trying. Best of luck to you, whatever decision you make.

 

[yeye5]

First ever pip this morning! I'm having the big moment that no doubt you all remember. I have no words. Know what I mean?

Hooray!!! It is a moment to treasure! Best of luck with this one and the others!

 

[yeye5]

Congratulations on your fluffy grey chick!

About the center-pipped chick. People have strong opinions about intervening, and it is very much a personal choice. I tend to get hands-on with chicks that may be in trouble. I have definitely saved chicks by assisting, and probably lost one by not assisting in time.

There is an excellent thread on assisted hatching here at BYC.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

I use clean tweezers, and very carefully chip away at the hole, stopping immediately if I see red or bleeding. The membrane needs to not have living blood vessels in it, I think is what they explain. A few times, I have been able to help a stuck chick get out. Once, the chick was already gone, so I hadn't done any harm by trying. Best of luck to you, whatever decision you make.

Thank you! I'll read it right now.

 

[Cerise1924]

First ever pip this morning! I'm having the big moment that no doubt you all remember. I have no words. Know what I mean?

Yes!! That is so wonderful. I was totally enthralled watching the shell break open, and a little chick (a peachick!) emerge. I still love it. Can't stop hatching. So excited for you!!

 

[securepeace]

To @lilwildrabbit lol yep