My first Hatch Silkies and More- All advise welcome

[Smashlee83]

Hey all, Finally got my incubator for Christmas. It's a little amazon Kebonnixs 12 egg incubator and I've decided I want more Silkies because. SILKIES! My little splash hen Hei Hei is beyond goof ball and I just need more of her in my life. My roo Hawkbait is a Black naked neck satin. Should make for interesting babies. I'm thinking of setting at least 6 or so of her eggs, and then a couple more of a friends silkie eggs. Also trying to see if anyone nearby has any fertile Maran eggs because I'd love to add a dark brown layer to my little flock. Can't wait to start this journey and share updates.

 

[LaFleche]

When will you start collecting the hatching eggs?

 

[Smashlee83]

When will you start collecting the hatching eggs?

My splash hen just came off of being broody for the 1 millionth time, waiting for her to start laying regularly again. I think she just laid her first egg yesterday.

 

[LaFleche]

Why would you rather use an incubator than a readily available broody like your Silkie hen?

 

[Smashlee83]

Why would you rather use an incubator than a readily available broody like your Silkie hen?

I have used a broody once before, but I would rather hand raise this group. I have done both and I rather have lap chickens.

 

[LaFleche]

I have used a broody once before, but I would rather hand raise this group. I have done both and I rather have lap chickens.

Oh. But Silkies are extremely affectionate anyway, no matter if raising them with a broody or brooding yourself.

Many years ago a breeder friend surprised me with Silkie hatching eggs without telling me what kind of eggs they were. The chicks were raised by one of my Amrock hens and all of them were very affecionate and curious climbing up our legs the minute we would sit on our garden chairs, perching on our knees etc. Really clingy little guys!