Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[Chaneys Ranch]

If the chipmunck stripe were a reliable indicator of sex, wouldn't the hatchery use that ? I think it indicates more the color pattern they will be. My pullets will spar with each other as chicks up to about age 5 months. Some are really hard to tell apart until the stags get their point feathers, and still the pullets will argue with all. Sometimes it worries me when I see it......oh no! Another stag?! No, just a sqwabble. Those are some Cuties....could just hug em and sqeeeeeze them! that little one is telling you how big the fish was they caught. I can't wait to spring for some more chicks those tiny little feet, tiny little beaks.....nothing is so cute as that. Little eggs running around. Peepers. Adorable. In the mornings I have my coffee in the broody pen. Great way to start the day. Looking forward to it.!

hehe ACW agreed, i can't wait to hatch my own. Totally unrelated, i was over on the all i want for Christmas thread, someone has a live "hatch cam" going! you got to see this, one's out, and one is zipping, just precious!
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kilis-hatching-channel

 

[cheeka]

I do not think that those patterns can help them determine the sex. EE's are so varied, so random, while there are a few "common" colors, it's just such a gamble. out of the original order, there were 14 EE's, 3 of which were supposed to be male. turns out there was 1 extra. looked like a pullet all the way through 12 weeks. maybe 13... he belongs to my friends who just got their first EE egg the other day... so unlike sex links... EE's have to be looked at the old fashioned way and there is that 10% margin for error... I really hope that they are all girls, and at the worst, I only end up with one cockerel. I may cull Si come Springtime anyway. He's fine, but he's small in comparison to the other 2, fabulous beard... might try to get a few of his "deed done eggs" to hatch... who knows? all I know is I don't really "need" 3 roosters. truly, as far as replacement birds... I don't need to use Royce as he is beardless and muffless, but has a nice pea comb, should have the blue egg gene. Si hatched from a light brown egg... mixed comb... stunning beard and muffs, nice blue/grey feathers... tough call... Archie is the man. he's got it all and feathered shanks to boot! he is Aces at flock protection and foraging... he learns well from Royce, treats the hens gently...

we'll see... we'll see... Peeps are super active right now, keep making noises that sound like the cat is whapping his tail against the box... but there's no cat... although, check out these photos... Hershey is so ... hmmm ... "funny", yeah, that's it... funny.

 

[okallthis4eggs]

SIX

SIX.......Today We Laid SIX Eggs

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Well, the Grinch has struck our home today. Belle (the skunk-slaying dog) has been limping a little on and off for a few weeks, but last night would not put any weight on the leg at all. Took her to vet today and she has ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in her knee, which will require big time surgery for her to be able to use the leg again. Just the diagnosis for today was as much as our entire budget for Xmas! I shudder to think what the surgery will cost. Have to consult with a vet who does this type of repairs.

The sad thing is that my hubby has the very same problem with his knee, but he can use it fairly well as is, and hasn't wanted to subject himself to the procedure (or the expense).

On a happy note, I got 7 eggs yesterday!

4 so far today. I have to go and check for more. Still a chance for a perfect egg day!! Gotta count those little ovoid blessings! Like having Christmas every day.

Going to check on that hatching chick now. Thanks for the link jchny.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Well, the Grinch has struck our home today. Belle (the skunk-slaying dog) has been limping a little on and off for a few weeks, but last night would not put any weight on the leg at all. Took her to vet today and she has ruptured the posterior cruciate ligament in her knee, which will require big time surgery for her to be able to use the leg again. Just the diagnosis for today was as much as our entire budget for Xmas! I shudder to think what the surgery will cost. Have to consult with a vet who does this type of repairs.

The sad thing is that my hubby has the very same problem with his knee, but he can use it fairly well as is, and hasn't wanted to subject himself to the procedure (or the expense).

On a happy note, I got 7 eggs yesterday!

4 so far today. I have to go and check for more. Still a chance for a perfect egg day!! Gotta count those little ovoid blessings! Like having Christmas every day.

Going to check on that hatching chick now. Thanks for the link jchny.

aww crap, i think the link is down
Oh my i am so sorry for your sweet dog, hope someone can help. yay for the eggs!!!
We are 1, then 2 then one, but all slightly different so i know its different girls.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

YAY its back up!! #2 hatched!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Yup, it's blank. I'll check later. Gonna go egg hunt now.


Oh, well, if it's back on the eggs aren't going anywhere!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

SIX

SIX.......Today We Laid SIX Eggs

yay for six!!!! my girls are finally getting back on track, looks promising

 

[BullChick]

I have Internet!!!!!
I recommend everyone getting pet insurance. I was raised that you put an animal down for serious problems. Fix a broken leg, but that is about it. Well... 2 years ago I had a bill for $4,500 for my dog that didn't make it. He passed on Thanksgiving morning. Anyway, DH and I said any new animal would have insurance. Go figure. Now all animals from (our) SPCA come with it. It is $20/month, and if SOMEONE would send in the forms (

Husband that is not so dear) it would have paid for itself this past summer. Yes, it would have covered the vet visit and surgery.
No eggs today.
Now that I have internet, I can research more on FF and new pullets laying. BTW, the dog (who is so picky he rarely likes broth on his food) LOVED his FF today. So much that he thanked me by pooping on the floor as soon as he was done.

That was the good part of my day, Hope tomorrow is much better.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I have Internet!!!!!
I recommend everyone getting pet insurance. I was raised that you put an animal down for serious problems. Fix a broken leg, but that is about it. Well... 2 years ago I had a bill for $4,500 for my dog that didn't make it. He passed on Thanksgiving morning. Anyway, DH and I said any new animal would have insurance. Go figure. Now all animals from (our) SPCA come with it. It is $20/month, and if SOMEONE would send in the forms (

Husband that is not so dear) it would have paid for itself this past summer. Yes, it would have covered the vet visit and surgery.
No eggs today.
Now that I have internet, I can research more on FF and new pullets laying. BTW, the dog (who is so picky he rarely likes broth on his food) LOVED his FF today. So much that he thanked me by pooping on the floor as soon as he was done.

That was the good part of my day, Hope tomorrow is much better.

Woohoo welcome back to the net!

UGH MC, what a kind way the dog says thank you!

Yes, the pet insurance is awesome. I had it for my Rottweiler, Rommel. he died of bone cancer at 9 yrs old. I wouldn't let them amputate for a temporary fix, then just lose him a month later. He was suffering as it was, would not have been right...it covered all the X-rays, everything.
FF is flat awesome. I have had it going a couple months now, never going back he he. The yolks are really almost orange eggs taste even better (is that possible?) Now that the girls are laying again!