Hi -
I'm brand new and wanting some chickens this spring.
I'm wanting some silkies and bantam cochins, just a couple each.
Can I make an incubator cheap? then, if I can, I have cats so any brilliant ideas on keeping the chicks so the cats don't get them?
I know I can buy some who are older but I thought if I could get eggs cheaper and raise them myself they might be sweeter. But, then I have the problem of roosters. I don't want babies or even eggs. I probably should try not to have a rooster, however beautiful they are! I hope this doesn't sound dumb, but is it cruel to take fertile eggs and just crack them or something? In case I do end up with a rooster? Or, would you all advise just to find some who are a few months old in the spring when they can be only hens and go outside?
I'm learning everything I need to know so hopefully you are all patient
Kathy
In Ohio
I'm brand new and wanting some chickens this spring.
I'm wanting some silkies and bantam cochins, just a couple each.
Can I make an incubator cheap? then, if I can, I have cats so any brilliant ideas on keeping the chicks so the cats don't get them?
I know I can buy some who are older but I thought if I could get eggs cheaper and raise them myself they might be sweeter. But, then I have the problem of roosters. I don't want babies or even eggs. I probably should try not to have a rooster, however beautiful they are! I hope this doesn't sound dumb, but is it cruel to take fertile eggs and just crack them or something? In case I do end up with a rooster? Or, would you all advise just to find some who are a few months old in the spring when they can be only hens and go outside?
I'm learning everything I need to know so hopefully you are all patient

Kathy
In Ohio