Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[TACEYPERKINS]

That is actually a good thing Jeremy, I know my postmaster and alot of the ladies that work the counter because of my egg deliveries. I told them ahead of time that I was to be expecting my deliveries. I handed them my info and told them please call when they come in so I can pick them up. Thankfully they listened. I hope they call you.

 

[jeremy]

TACEY, I think I'm gonna go by the post office tomorrow before work and do just that, give them a little note card with all of my info on it to make sure they're ready.

A question (for those of you who just hatched) about humidity- what were your levels during incubation? I've read different things about this matter. Some say low humidity in the beginning, gradually increasing the amount as you near the hatch date. Others say keep a consistent humidity level throughout.

What did you find was the best for hatching your Dells? I've personally read that about 55% humidity throughout the hatch is the best, increasing that amount when they start pipping and making their way into this world to retain moisture. To increase the humidity levels you simply add more water to your 'bator, correct?

Thanks for everyone's help, doing everything I can to soak up as much knowledge as I can before my incubation.

 

[Laney]

I used an incubator that automatically regulates humidity, but I set it to 45% for the first 18 days and 65% for the lockdown or IBW days.

The chicks that hatched pipped and zipped right out, no problems with drowning or drying. However, the chicks that did not survive all had defects. I do not know if this is related to humidity or temp. My completely automatic bator was set to 99.5 for the entire hatch, I did not "double check" the temp. I will be doing that before or during my next hatch though in case temp was the reason for the deformities.

Laney

 

[speckledhen]

Laney's humidity values are what I shoot for, too. Anywhere between 35 and 50%, preferably 45%. Last three days, 65-70%.

 

[speckledhen]

Well, guess who came up the roost to see me while I was de-pooping? Gracie! She is usually pretty skittish, but she wanted a chest rub. And just after I complained that she wasn't as friendly as the other girls. You just never know. Guess her inherited temperament genes may win out after all.

 

[kathyinmo]

The humidity topic is so controversial. I read it about it alot. I opted to go with 30 - 35% during incubation, and then up to 60 -65 % for the hatch. From what I understand, it has to do with your location and elevation. A more experienced hatcher, BYCer Katy, lives around my location (Kansas) ... so I just do what she suggested.

Good luck with your hatch. Today is lockdown for me .... I have just switched the Delaware eggs over to the hatcher! Hoping for a good hatch on Friday!

 

[joletabey]

Cynthia, maybe Gracie wanted sympathy after Dutch thumped her?

Kathy- keep us posted on that hatch- I'll need a chickie fix by then!!!!

 

[delawaregirl09]

It may be different since I'm in Oklahoma or because of the incubators I use, but when I use the little foam incubators, it says 70% all the way around, and in my cabinet style incubator its 82-86% during incubation and 88-90% during hatch.

Hello Everyone!! I'm sorry about my few visits, been busy these past few days. I got 9 eggs out of 26 hens yesterday

No idea what is going on. Plenty of food, water and treats... My pullets should still be going strong, but who knows.

I've got 13 eggs left in the incubator. I candled on the 7th, which was my 7th day. Only one had nothing in it

I was excited. These are just some test eggs I set for when JamesA eggs come in.

Cyn, I would drive like crazy to Georgia to get them, seriously. But thats a bit far for three birds. I wish you luck, someone will want them soon

Have a good afternoon fellow Delaware lovers.

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Afternoon everyone!! I've been running around getting things for the China trip. All's quiet hear....weather has been great the past 2 days, but rain and thunderstorms are coming Wed/Thurs.

I ran across this on the BSA thread....does anyone know where her birds came from? I really need more like I need a hole in my head, but if its from other lines, would it be worth mixing in to the lines Cyn got most us all started with?? The birds in the pix don't look bad...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=306881

 

[Cetawin]

oooh ooooh when do we leave? You are taking me as your body guard right? so I do not have to do this cross country move right? yes?

Poor Gracie has been put in her place and wanted loves from mama....that mean ole Dutch would not let her eat him alive. For shame.