New Member from the Flinthills, KS

[Zenmonkey]

Well, I thought about it, but I move around a lot, and I'm probably too heavy.

That was my first thought as well. Manual incubation is almost always the wrong answer. A broody hen or a mechanical incubator typically are easier and have improved hatch rates.

I think you've got the right approach though. Test everything ahead of time, and you side step many of the worst failure modes.

Just be aware that adding eggs will change the dynamics of the incubator for a bit. Toss in a couple of grocery store eggs, or even appropriate sized damp rocks, to get an idea of how the temperature and humidity will swing a bit when adding your hatching eggs.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I'd recommend using plenty of hardware cloth to keep the predators out and hatching some bantam eggs. If you want a flock that replenishes itself, you cannot go wrong with bantam hens.

 

[CurlyChickenGirly]

Welcome, Lee! Glad you joined us here!

 

[Jenbirdee]

 

[sourland]

Hello, Lee, and welcome to BYC. Good luck for a successful incubation/hatch and this new found 'rabbit hole'.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you here in this fun and poultry community. Maybe you'll start a project in SQL for a chicken database for yourself....

 

[LCB]

See, that's JUST the sort of thing that goes through my head. Right now, I just want to help my FIL replenish his flock and maybe learn a little along the way.

 

[Raisin_The_Chicken]

hello! glad u joined!

 

[Tookie]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you here. Good luck with your plans!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, Lee, and welcome to BYC!

Good luck with your missions you have, and wishing you a successful hatch! I warn you, incubating/hatching is highly addictive. If you wind up purchasing a larger incubator in the future, I'll put a plug in for the Brinseas with automatic humidity. That is very close to about as simple as it gets and mine hold 64 silkie eggs. They say for 56 regular chicken eggs though.