Should I Start Hatching Eggs With Incubator?

[2LongLuckRanch2]

Hi, I am new to the group and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about incubating? I have wanted to try for many years now. Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

What do you want to know exactly?

 

[2LongLuckRanch2]

Mainly like how many bad eggs you can expect
I know it varies from where you get the eggs. I also wondered where is a good place is a good source to get them from.

 

[BDutch]

Hi are you new?

Any experiences with chikens or a real newbie?

I would get the hatching eggs from someone who lives nearby and pick them up yourselves. The outcome when send by mail is often very poor.

If you live in the Northern hemisphere, I would wait with incubating until spring. There are more eggs available from the end of the winter and in spring. Some breeds don’t lay during winter at all.
And maybe even more important: chicks can make a better and healthier start in spring.

Now is a good time to decide what kind of chickens you like (what breeds, big or bantams, banyard mixes). Which chickens are good in your climate? And how do you want /can you keep the chickens. Lockup up 24/7 or free range? Start to plan and build a coop and run if you need one. And find adresses of people who sell hatching eggs.

Please ad your nearby town/state in your profile. Location is often important.