New hatcher here

[eggorthechicken]

I've been stalking the boards for quite some time now. I love reading these boards. I got into chickens this past spring and now have the hatching bug....luckily I got a Hovabator for Christmas..and I bought my youngest daughter a Brinsea Mini as well so we can do this together. I have eggs from my own hens and some on the way. I'm quite giddy excited...it's almost not right.

I do have a question for the hatchaholics here...and this may sound ridiculous, but those of you that hatch all year long what do you do with all the babies? Do you keep them, sell them, eat them or just a little of all? I hope that doesn't sound stupid..haha, but I'm planning to do a little of all. Anyway I'm joining the ranks of the insane poultry people and I'm not looking back. I say poultry cause I'm not limiting myself (and I want ducks i spring). My kiddos already think I have a problem...luckily my youngest daughter enjoys it just like I do...she's an enabler.

Oh and I got my first blue egg today from one of my eggers and it was one of the best surprises. ) I just keep looking at it...like it's a diamond but better...sheesh forget diamonds...just give me colored eggs.

 

[sumi]

Well, once the hatching bug got you you start making plans, quick! LOL many of us add the new chicks to our flocks, sell some, eat the roosters, hatch for other people.... I raised the chicks and added the pullets to my flock (I sold eggs, so I needed pullets) and I sold the roosters, since I don't eat chicken.

When you and your daughter start hatching come over and join us here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/704328/diary-notes-air-cell-detatched-shipped-eggs

We're just a bunch of hatching addicts having fun there, hatching eggs, offering moral support and advice, sharing info. It's a great thread. It started with a shipment of eggs (hence the title), but it really took now.

 

[eggorthechicken]

Thanks! I will do that. I received some eggs in the mail today so hoping to set them by this weekend.

 

[SarahJaneB]

Oh boy

good luck and congrats on the incubator. I'm having to build mine but I'm almost done. Very ready to try a hatch. Mine will be for all of the above. Selling chicks, raising for eggs, eating the roos or raising and selling when they start to lay. Or thats the plan anyway.

 

[eggorthechicken]

yes im thinking ill be run over with babies soon. I have an idea for a larger brooder....well not my idea but saw a pic of one on here that would be big enough..lol. I have a pair of seramas now in my other brooder that o got in november but didnt want to put them outside yet.

 

[eggorthechicken]

set 7 today in the brinsea mini. :0) let the countdown begin

 

[Sphinx]

Woohoo!! Good luck on your hatch.

I've been trying to resist the urge to hatch, but I've finally given in, and will be starting a hatch later today. I'm hoping that I can have the strength to actually sell these chicks when they hatch. We'll see if it works out or not.

 

[eggorthechicken]

oh I know what you mean lol. I set 22 more this evening. I am expecting more though so hopefully if I get them tomorrow I can add those late tomorrow night...I kinda forgot about the change in humidity during lockdown but I would think 1-2 days would be ok? if not I know someone who is itching to try theirs out too.