Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[SilkieSensation]

Hiya! From PA - I've already introduced myself and then got quiet again a years ago and hundreds of pages back. Im from NW PA, 2hrs above Pittsburgh, so I don't think many of you are actually neighbors. We've got a big state.
I have a question! I was reading just a bit ago, I believe here on this thread about someone sending someone else eggs. I have no experience with shipped eggs and I'm receiving some probably today. Please, is there anything I need to know? I thought I had read about letting them rest for a certain amount of time or something but I can't get any solid tips. Don't want to screw this up. Thanks!

Like they both said.
Shipped eggs can be a mixed bag. I agree with letting them rest a at and minimal turning the first few days. I've gotten some with intact air cells and they worked great and some that were nearly scrambled by the postal service. Certain breeds seem to ship better than others, as well. I've had good success with orpingtons, less with Swedish flower, for instance.
Also, if there are hairline cracks, don't give up. Some people have success by dripping a little wax over the crack to seal it so the moisture doesn't evaporate too quickly.

Nail polish also works great for sealing cracks.

Hello from Lancaster County!
Any poultry shows? I haven't found any around here.

Welcome from Lancaster county!
There are several of us on here from various parts of the county.

I believe there are shows at the Lebanon fairgrounds at various times, as well as some in York county. Not aware of any in Lancaster.

What do you have and what are you looking for. I think that's what we always ask!

The only swap I'm familiar with in PA is Uniontown at the fair grounds once per month. I think it runs March to November.

 

[wingstone]

Hi Annjee:

Welcome from Chester Co.....

Well folks lost another bird to predators...(a fox I think)....my Olive egger was there at the morning feeding and a pile of feathers a couple of hours later....didn't hear or see anything,,,,I need a big pooch that won't jump the fence.....

I am having problems also, had a dig under early Friday morning, lost 12 out of 1 pen.

Needless to say, I have been on guard all night, no sleep...need a nap.

 

[ChcknNurse]

Unfortunately, that's 4 hours away. I saw one in Maryland that is 2 hours away, just was hoping for about an hour or less.

I did read someone say second skin on cracks. I have a batch of Lavender Orphington, Ameracauna, silkie coming after Easter. Hoping decent hatch for my first, been studying the threads.

 

[barbiegirl]

Here's a great read for those looking to hatch out eggs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

 

[chiques chicks]

Unfortunately, that's 4 hours away. I saw one in Maryland that is 2 hours away, just was hoping for about an hour or less.

I did read someone say second skin on cracks. I have a batch of Lavender Orphington, Ameracauna, silkie coming after Easter. Hoping decent hatch for my first, been studying the threads.

If you are looking for particular breeds, odds re good someone near you had some. The spectrum is covered pretty well here.
Are you looking for layers, pets, show quality?

@wingstone you are getting hammered this year! Anything I can do to help? I have most of a roll of 5 ft. Welded wire here if you need some to lay down as an anti dig our to extend some fence height. Also a bunch of 4ft plastic construction fence, much heavier than poultry fencing.

 

[PAchixMomma]

Fayette county!

 

[barbiegirl]

Fayette county!

Hi and welcome from the Poconos! What birds do you have and/or what are you looking for?

 

[chiques chicks]

Welcome to all the new people!

Feel free to introduce yourself and dash questions and share stories! Lots of great people on this thread with knowledge of almost everything, chicken and beyond. Great group here!

 

[barbiegirl]

I am having problems also, had a dig under early Friday morning, lost 12 out of 1 pen.

Needless to say, I have been on guard all night, no sleep...need a nap.

Oh no. That is horrible. Do you know what got in?

 

[fisherlady]

Hi Annjee:

Welcome from Chester Co.....

Well folks lost another bird to predators...(a fox I think)....my Olive egger was there at the morning feeding and a pile of feathers a couple of hours later....didn't hear or see anything,,,,I need a big pooch that won't jump the fence.....

Dang....sorry to hear you lost another one, a decent sized dog sounds like a good idea!

I am having problems also, had a dig under early Friday morning, lost 12 out of 1 pen.

Needless to say, I have been on guard all night, no sleep...need a nap.

That just sucks! I found a product at Lowes last night that could help, or you could surround the pen with flat sandstone or shale... although you would need a tri-axle load of it to surround a pen the size of your bird yard!
http://www.lowes.com/pd_11811-46086-715169_0__?productId=3374310