September Hatch-a-long!

[Pugsabi]

I have heard that but I've had 3 hens go broody (2 silkies that I bought specifically to do it - they are the ones that have gone again!) and they have been fabulous. I think all the turning / worrying is stressful with the 'bator (saying that I'm now on my 2nd split incubation with some under hens and some in the 'bator!). I actually thought about which way I'd go and in the end I decided to buy the silkies not the incubator (same initial price!) as we have lots of power cuts here and broodies don't need electricity to run! For me it is magical watching the hens with the chicks, they are out in the flock within days - with our renovations, garden, 3 kids etc I'm happy for them to do the work for me and after seeing the babes outside pecking at 3 days old I cna' timagine having them stuck inside for weeks! I may end up doing it if I ever have more time / want large quantities of chicks but we'll see.


Eeek OK - it is at the other end / not touching but I better take it out them. Not sure what to do - if I put it under the hen it may crack totally. If I candle it and it is good is there anyway to clean the egg off without doing more damage?

Try using a dry sponge to gently 'buff' the yolk off.

 

[anvia]

Hallo all,
Can we join too?
We are on day one of hatching Swedish Flowers, Croad Langshans & Light Sussex.
Never had Langshans before but they look rather lovely!

 

[Pugsabi]

Hallo all,
Can we join too?
We are on day one of hatching Swedish Flowers, Croad Langshans & Light Sussex.
Never had Langshans before but they look rather lovely!

Welcome! Sounds like a pretty verity! What color are the Langshans eggs? I've seen any where from red to purplish to dark brown.

 

[anvia]

Thank you!
They are a pale tan - unexpectedly boring! I was hoping for something more exciting - ah well! But they are a very good size. I was really impressed with the breeder - her birds really appeared to be very very well cared for. Apparently the purple / plum bloom only happens at the beginning of the laying season, even then she warned me that it’s a very short window where you see the colours.

 

[Pugsabi]

Thank you!
They are a pale tan - unexpectedly boring! I was hoping for something more exciting - ah well! But they are a very good size. I was really impressed with the breeder - her birds really appeared to be very very well cared for. Apparently the purple / plum bloom only happens at the beginning of the laying season, even then she warned me that it’s a very short window where you see the colours.

That's so odd! But I'm glad your happy with the breeder because that's more important.

 

[anvia]

That's so odd! But I'm glad your happy with the breeder because that's more important.

It is odd isn’t it?!
She said she had problems getting new breeding stock in as she’s found people will only sell hatching eggs at their “purple time”, even using the breed society. I’m guessing the colour is coated on like all eggs? & the tan colour is the under colour? I am intrigued! No idea if it’s dietry related? - I wonder if this breed really really likes beetroot? Ha ha!
Lots to learn!

 

[PouleChick]

Try using a dry sponge to gently 'buff' the yolk off.

OK, I'll do that when I turn them.

Hallo all,
Can we join too?
We are on day one of hatching Swedish Flowers, Croad Langshans & Light Sussex.
Never had Langshans before but they look rather lovely!

Absolutely - welcome! I have to go and look up those first 2 breeds, I'm not familiar with them! Just had a read, they both sound wonderful, particularly the Swedish flower ones - I love that the roosters even are so docile. I wonder if I can get hold of eggs in France NO NO NO I can't - I have at least 1 new coop to build first!!

 

[336White Phoenix]

I have a few due out on sep 1st be my last incubator hatch for the year they are mix breed fo laying and clocking for 2019 2020

 

[PouleChick]

I have a few due out on sep 1st be my last incubator hatch for the year they are mix breed fo laying and clocking for 2019 2020

Hi and welcome! How many have you already hatched this year?

 

[BlueBaby]

Well, I am boiling a dozen eggs up now to feed back to the chickens. I was getting too many eggs built up again, and my neighbors said they already have enough eating eggs. I didn't want to put anymore of them in my incubator yet at least until after these ones hatch on the 4th, so the chickens will get them. Got to keep my refrigerated eggs rotated.