should I? hatch eggs?

[carousel]

I may have answered my own questions!
one of my sexed pullets at 9 weeks just crowed LOL
I will think long and hard if I want to deal with the hassle of boys since I'm faced with some tuff choices on the Easter Egger boy I have right now who is in the garage crowing

If I could raise them to a more "usable" age? I might be better able to look at them as extras for meat. That is another down side to living in town.

 

[UrbanMama]

Before I even started hatching, I did a ton of research. I read and read...then read some more. I knew almost immediately that it was something I was really going to get into. I placed a couple orders with hatcheries...only to cancel them. I wanted my kids to have the educational experience of the whole process (not to mention, I didn't want our future birds to have to go through the stress of the hatchery & shipping) I talked to tons of people here about different kinds of bators and decided to take the plunge!

I'm so glad I did. I'm looking at 8 of the most beautiful Buff Orpington babies right now....

....and we were able to see almost every single one of them hatch (we missed the outing of one...by seconds) My children are homeschooled and this is part of their "school" this year. It's been so wonderful.

Roosters are a touchy subject here....the verdict is still out. We'll probably be processing those for the freezer. But even though it'll be hard for our kids when that day comes, it's all part of the lesson. A vital part I think.

For me, it is a hobby and something I enjoy immensely. I'll sell some of the chicks to recoup the costs and eventually to help pay for the feed. I can build up to the flock that I want to have slowly and experience each breed one at a time.

I'd say go for it if it's something you want to try! Just be forewarned...it is addictive. People joke about it...but it's such a miracle to watch these babies hatch. Awe is the word I think...just incredible!