November/December "Hatch-a-Long"

[shannondee12]

Although mine are hatched and doing well, I am still slightly dissapointed. This was my second attempt to get full bred cayuga ducks. The first was ordering day olds from a hatchery and they sent me blue swedish. So this time I ordered shipped eggs and they were suppose to be from show quality stock. Out of the 6 eggs, 2 hatched. Of course it was love at first site but the second baby has orange spots on his feet and his bottom bill is also orange. He also appears to have a very light colored bib area on his chest. The seller says that it is normal for the lighter chest area but I was understanding cayuga ducks to have all black feet and bill. I give up.

 

[rehric00]

Ok people, its been a while since I have checked on this thread.... I have a silkie sitting on 2 eggs, eggs three got stepped on when my bully Americauna insisted on laying her eggs in Momma Hen's box

Today is day 15, 6 days left. I candled last night and there are nice veins and lots of movement in one, not quite as much in the other. I have a few questions though...

What is "lock down"??? When does this start and should I leave her alone during that time?

Also, she is still trying to sit on the wrong eggs. She will go out to potty and eat, and come back to sit on the wrong eggs. When I am home, I check on her every 4 hours or so, but when I work night shift and sleep all day, I cannot do that. Will she begin to sit consistently and not leave in the last few days??

Since she frequently does this, will the eggs take longer to hatch?

Also, when is a good time to move momma and babies to a lower box? They are "second story" and I am hesitant to move her before the eggs hatch. I doubt day old chicks could climb out so maybe the day they are hatched?? Thanks

These last six days are going to kill me!

 

[lizgarf]

Ok people, its been a while since I have checked on this thread.... I have a silkie sitting on 2 eggs, eggs three got stepped on when my bully Americauna insisted on laying her eggs in Momma Hen's box

Today is day 15, 6 days left. I candled last night and there are nice veins and lots of movement in one, not quite as much in the other. I have a few questions though...

What is "lock down"??? When does this start and should I leave her alone during that time?

I also lost 2 eggs to other hens in the nest - one got cracked and slowly died, and then one got crushed. 6 still in there - I put some non-fertile eggs in another box, and now the non-broodies are using it. I hope it keeps working.

Someone else will know the answer better than I, but I think "Lock down" is for the incubators, not the broodies. But, in your situation, it sounds like moving the broody to her own enclosed pen is a good idea if possible, and sooner the better. I probably should, but I haven't figured out a set-up I'm happy with, so I'm taking a risk. My nest is low, though, so the chickies should be ok if they hatch.

 

[lizgarf]

I love banties!!
they are just so much more like a pet...

Hmm, I love my banties, but my big brahma is by far the most pet-like of the bunch. I can carry her around like a baby - well, more like a toddler.

 

[ShayBaby]

 
I love banties!!
they are just so much more like a pet...

Hmm, I love my banties, but my big brahma is by far the most pet-like of the bunch.  I can carry her around like a baby - well, more like a toddler.

Same. I had a Cochin bantam pullet that was THE sweetest thing ever, but she passed away sadly. After her, my friendliest bird is a big Brahma rooster! Follows me around everywhere wanting petted.

 

[rehric00]

I also lost 2 eggs to other hens in the nest - one got cracked and slowly died, and then one got crushed. 6 still in there - I put some non-fertile eggs in another box, and now the non-broodies are using it. I hope it keeps working.

Someone else will know the answer better than I, but I think "Lock down" is for the incubators, not the broodies. But, in your situation, it sounds like moving the broody to her own enclosed pen is a good idea if possible, and sooner the better. I probably should, but I haven't figured out a set-up I'm happy with, so I'm taking a risk. My nest is low, though, so the chickies should be ok if they hatch.

I had her secluded, but she got out and was not happy. She she is back in her original spot.

 

[chicketydooda]

It's day 4 and my incubator is swinging temperature like crazy. I just checked on it and it was 102.9....I hope I didn't kill my babies!

 

[ShayBaby]

It's day 4 and my incubator is swinging temperature like crazy. I just checked on it and it was 102.9....I hope I didn't kill my babies!

I highly doubt it. Fingers crossed for you, but I'd say you're fine. I've had temps get 10 degrees higher than that and had some hatch.

 

[lizgarf]

I had her secluded, but she got out and was not happy. She she is back in her original spot.

Yeah, I don't think it would work for mine either! But, I am getting nervous - especially with my clumsy brahma around.

 

[chicketydooda]

I highly doubt it. Fingers crossed for you, but I'd say you're fine. I've had temps get 10 degrees higher than that and had some hatch.

Thank you that gives me some hope. I am beginning to hate the Little Giant Incubator I bought!