New Brahma Group: Blue Partridge x Partridge, Plus Dark

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would recommend broodies if you are fortunate enough to have one. I lucked out last year and had both going, all eggs set on the same day. The hen was heavy-footed and broke quite a few eggs, so when the incubator eggs hatched I put the chicks under her and she was thrilled. Best of both worlds.

What was your incubator hatch percentage? I'm gonna try moving the broodies this weekend, we will see how it goes.

 

[1muttsfan]

Well that was a whoooole year ago, and I just don't recall, but since I put 12 eggs under the hen I didn't put all that many in the incubator. I think she ended up with 14 or 15 chicks. She's a big girl and there was plenty of room.

 

[speckledhen]

Four Brahmas pipped now, still three BRs. Slowly, they're showing up, but very slowly.

 

[speckledhen]

Five of Jill's six pipped, five Brahmas.

 

[speckledhen]

Five Brahmas hatched, six or seven pipped, a whole day late. All six BRs hatched and are with them. Already, a Brahma chick was sitting on the side of the feeder roosting, little savant, LOL. It fell off before I got the camera.
Here are pics:

 

[speckledhen]

Above, I meant to say five hatched, not pipped. Now, a 6th is zipping out, several pipped and making them larger. Geez, what a slow, drawn-out hatch!

See, still working on it..... and look who is hanging out at the feeder already. Should have known they'd be right up there at the trough their first day in the world

.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is that a non-slip pad? Do you have that in there only for hatching or the whole time? Do you have a Turner? Or do you hand turn them? You are getting a lot of healthy looking chicks.

 

[speckledhen]

Is that a non-slip pad? Do you have that in there only for hatching or the whole time? Do you have a Turner? Or do you hand turn them? You are getting a lot of healthy looking chicks.

Yup, it's that holey shelf liner on top of the wire shelf. I always use it. You can wash it or throw it away when the hatch is done. It's softer on the raw navels. I use a turner, rarely ever hand turn eggs. No need unless the turner quits on me. I've had that turner for 11 years now.

They are healthy, little butterballs. They're eating and drinking and sleeping like perfect angels. I still have six pipped eggs left to hatch and six Brahmas in the brooder with the six Hector kids.

 

[kitkat5505]

Yay! Cute babies

 

[speckledhen]

Final total: 11 Brahmas, 6 Barred Rocks. Had to euthanize #12 Brahma, sadly, but the most drawn-out hatch we've ever had is finally over.