***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[lonnyandrinda]

? How long does the chick have after the egg cracks before leg issues begin?

Do you mean after they pip? Typically they will hatch in 12-24 hours. Beyond that they may have leg issues preventing them from properly turning or pushing out.

 

[TipihlowLadies]

? How long does the chick have after the egg cracks before leg issues begin?

Do you mean after they pip?  Typically they will hatch in 12-24 hours.  Beyond that they may have leg issues preventing them from properly turning or pushing out.

yes and thanks

 

[MrsDickey]

I know you can not make a hen go broody but are there ways to encourage it? I have 5 cochins and I would love for one or two to go broody for me.

 

[TipihlowLadies]

Should I take the new chick out of the incubator or just wait

 

[Titanpaul726]

Should I take the new chick out of the incubator or just wait

I would wait. I have 9 in the incubator right now. They hatched between midnight and 5AM (today). I'll leave them in there until I get home from work at around 4 PM.

 

[ashtree]

Should I take the new chick out of the incubator or just wait

What day are the eggs on? Any pips? How many eggs are left? There are so many variables involved it's hard to give an answer. I usually wait until at least half the chicks are out. But if there are tons of pips and half are out I leave them all in. I haven't noticed any affect on hatching rates. But a lonely chick in a brooder seems 10x lonelier than a lonely chick in an incubator-but that's just my opinion.

 

[ashtree]

I know you can not make a hen go broody but are there ways to encourage it? I have 5 cochins and I would love for one or two to go broody for me.

I would try leaving a nest of eggs and seeing if you have any takers I inspired 2 of my silkies to sit on duck eggs yesterday with that method. But I think broody is their MO and they're always happy when I'm obliging

My goose has 2 eggs that should hatch this weekend. We're going to have ducklings again!!! I can't wait to see them. I hope she's a good mama. She's fiercely protective of the eggs but this is her first time.

 

[NanaKat]

Hello all. It's been a while since I have been around. Have been lurking and reading lots of posts, just not making any of my own.
I have advanced in my chicken-ology and purchased an incubator. I have my first batch of "barnyard cross" eggs in it right now, just to try it out and get familiar with it. I'm soooooooooooo excited waiting on them to hatch (or not! Ugh!) They are on day 10 in the incubator. I candled last night and I "think" out of 18 eggs 17 are good. Crossing my fingers. I'm hoping I did things right and I have some nice pullets to add to my flock of egg producers.
I am going to start incubating eggs unless I have any hens go broody. I have black orpington hens that carry the lavender gene and a lavender and a black roo to put with them.(separately of course!) I also have a Black Copper Marans roo and hens I am going gather from to incubate. I have 2 Barnvelder hens and am looking for a roo to put with them so I can do them also. Have even gotten my hubby excited about my new venture and he is building me a breeding pen complete with a really nice hen house.
Wish me luck! Like I said, I'm soooooooooooo excited!

Sounds like you are really bitten by the incubator bug! Be sure to post pictures of your hubby's projects.
I have three incubators going...two as incubators and one as a hatcher and do staggered hatched...about 2 hatches a week. I'll be out of pocket the first week in May for a family trip and poor hubby will be taking care of all the birds....so my last hatch before I leave is 4/26. The eggs will go into the incubator the day before I leave and can be candled when I return. A broody hen or two will get a few eggs that might hatch just as I get back....

Quote:

If I were trying to breed two that were very different in size, I think I would AI. If the hen is smaller this would save her from wear and tear and possible injury especially if the size difference is extreme, if the small one is the male and the size is extreme I would think there may be fertility issues w/ him trying but not hitting the mark.

The other thing w/ extreme size differences, that might be a problem is if the chick is genetically very large from the large parent, but in the small egg of the small parent they may not survive hatch?

Kass got to you before I did. LF genetics will make for big chicks in bantam eggs.....Bantam Cock over LF hens will get you better results. AI does help, but plucked feathers on the hens does facilitate the rooster doing his job.

Quote: Congratulations on your upcoming hatch...
Those geese have bony protrusions on their "wrists" that can knock the socks right off your feet and wail on a dog. Momma geese are fierce defenders.
The huge lump on Gracie's neck is the result of a hemotoma from a goose bite last year. They bite and twist hard leaving a bruise.

 

[Adorkable]

Quote: Good luck with your new duckies Ash. I hope they're happy and healthy little buggers

So sorry about what happened to the others... I just read about it. Very sad

 

[kassward]

I know you can not make a hen go broody but are there ways to encourage it? I have 5 cochins and I would love for one or two to go broody for me.

I put that EE egg you gave me under my best hen.

I have 2 broody right now. This is the first time Sasha has gone broody. She's a chocolate Orphington and I'm really missing the double yolkers she's been leavin' me.