Setting my eggs tonight (April 10) Any tips?

[dak]

Yes, I know, but breeders in NM are few and far between. These lavs are coming from PA. I'm getting 2 dozen. Maybe I'll end up with 6. I''l keep you posted. If I have eggs maybe a few could head to MI next year.

You do know the Pres. of the Ameraucana breeders club is there in MI?

He doesn't ship eggs, just chicks and he's sold out for the year, but I think next years order form will be posted in June. Pricey but a chick in the hand is worth, I dunno, a couple dozen in the bator. If you have any local chicken friends, you could split an order.

dak

 

[EastinChickens]

Quote:
Wow, would you really send me LAVENDER eggs???!!!!

I think I might buy some VERY tempting speckled sussex eggs to add to my mix... Lol. And, pres. of the ABC sells chicks, huh? I must get my hands on some of those chickies next year.

Have you ever bought hatching eggs off Ebay? I was thinking of it since the shipping will be cheaper, but sometimes you just can't trust some people when it comes to shipping...

 

[dak]

Let's not count our lavenders before they're hatched, but yes if I have eggs next year.

I have bought eggs off of ebay. Some of these people are reputable members of their breed clubs, others have no idea about what they are breeding or shipping fertile eggs. Alot of easter eggers are advertised as Ameraucanas, or different colors are run together. I bought a batch of GLCs from a breeder who says they supply eggs to Cackle. Only 7 of thirteen developed. The remainder did not appear to be fertile. I don't know how you supply a hatchery if you can't produce fertile eggs. I bought another small batch on ebay from a BYC member who also sells eggs on this site. Of the 8, 5 are developing. There are 3-4 members of the Ameraucana Breeder Club selling on ebay, but being a member is just a matter of sending in a fee and doesn't mean a whole lot. Do your research, and don't do it if a box of scrambled egg would upset you too much. Make sure they put your phone number on the box and alert your post office they're coming. I call the back line of my post office at 7am when I'm expecting eggs and they hand them out the back door to me. I'm sure this will only work at small rural post offices. Research, research, and ask questions. If they won't reply to your questions, there is probably a reason. Some people also list their websites so you can kinda check out the situation, other used other peoples pictures and are deceptive. I have had very good luck by emailing breeders from breed club websites. They tend to be very reasonable with their prices and shipping. They are trying to improve their breed not make a quick buck off of the latest trend and generally are very up front about strengths and weaknesses. PM me if you want to name names.

Didn't mean to make a hatching thread an ebay thread, but you got to get the eggs before you can hatch them.

dak

 

[klf73]

I have had varied success with ebay. I bought from a seller that a lot of people here have had a bad time with. I got a dozen eggs, she sent a lot of extras and almost ALL hatched (I had only wanted a trio). I have a different batch from her in the bator now, just set a couple days ago, will be interesting to see. On the other hand....I am having a hard time hatching a specific chicken I need for my project. First 2 auctions cost over $40 w/shipping for 6+ eggs, I finally bid on two 9+ eggs from the same person and it is not looking good

I have spent almost $150 and am not sure I will get anything from any!!!!

 

[dak]

klf, What breed are you trying so hard for?

 

[klf73]

Quote:
it's not so much a breed, it's a color

I need it to introduce to my ameraucana.... it's a secret

I tell ya what, if I EVER get one to hatch I will post a pic on this thread, if not I can't cuz I don't want someone else to do it

 

[dak]

Like if you told me you'd have to kill me.

 

[4chickns]

Quote:
Thank you for the hugs, I'm feeling a little better today. Just looking at the three little ones lifts my spirits a bit. I will have to post some picks.
They jump all over their mommies, it's so cute.

 

[Jennmom2three]

I think Ive got the least hatch...1 poor lonley chick...Ive left the other 9 eggs in the bator with hopes that they are late bloomers...today is day 22

 

[4chickns]

Here are a few pictures of my little guys and their Mommas.