Set 86 Eggs Tonight *FORTY-FOUR Hatched--Hatch Over *

[kathyinmo]

I am about ready to come down there and give those kids a stern talking to! They are driving me crazy, making us all wait like this!

 

[pruitt514]

What type of hovabator are you using? Still air or Forced Air? Which is your favorite?

 

[tigercreek]

Starting day 22 tonight?? Seems like this has been a long hatch with 'em all spread out. Come on Rocks!! Tham little bantums will make room in the brood box. ......stan

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Derrick, I have two forced air Hovas, one about 4 yrs old and one older square model. They both have the two small windows rather than the one large one. If I was going to buy one, I'd probably get the Hova Genesis (1588) with the preset thermostat and picture window or have DH make me another one. We have two homemade ones that rely on light bulbs and they work okay, but are bulky and don't hold a turner.


Tonight starts Day 22. If they do as Kathy says they do and the BRs hatch a day after the NHs, maybe they're trying to follow their usual pattern, LOL. I just have no idea why none of the blue Rocks are pipping. I expected at least 4 or 5 of them to hatch out of the remaining 8. Once the ones hatch that are pipped, I may candle the rest to see if they have expired or they're just napping.

 

[kathyinmo]

Those Barred Rocks always have me on pins and needles! Honestly, I have to plan my shipping around them, because they are always the last ones to the party!

 

[speckledhen]

Another EE hatched just now. These others need to get moving. Mom's getting tired!

 

[kathyinmo]

Don't ya just LOVE filling up that brooder?!!! I just love that part.

Cute little fluffy things, and they are oh so tired.

 

[speckledhen]

This is the most I've ever had in this brooder. Previous record was about 25, if I remember right. How long can 40-50 chicks stay in a 2' x 3' brooder before they are in like sardines??

 

[kathyinmo]

About 3 days, when they start to "wake up," and want to eat and drink!

I have 3 rubbermaid totes hooked together with a pop door, which is approx 2 1/2 ft x 3 ft total. With more than 30 - 35 it is tight, and I have to use a third tote.

 

[speckledhen]

Geez, maybe I'd better start thinking about an interim brooder while the paint fumes in the new coop dissipate!


Another EE or Ameraucana hatched. A couple look like they could be wheaten Ameraucanas rather than EEs.

This NH in the brooder looks yellow like the Buff Orps. Was expecting to see a more reddish baby after seeing your totes full of them, Kathy. I recall that my others were yellow, but yours always look reddish. Or don't they? They'll have to evolve that color then I'll be able to tell them apart from the BOs. Can't wait for a properly colored NH after my orange girls.