Silkie Hatch-A-Long 2015

[katiec1824]

I have not purchased one yet and I don't think I have time to order one online so tractor supply and our local feed store may be my only source to get one and I would like to keep the cost under $100 any recommendations

 

[Tammylr]

Day 18, all laid down and temp adjusted with humidity bumped up to 68%. Every time I go and check them they are laying in a new position. They are really rocking in there. I'm talking to them so maybe they will know my voice before they ever hatch. I've been talking to them since I opened their box when they were delivered. I did the same thing with my first flock of chickens and they would all follow me around the yard even as adults. Chickens are the best! Can wait to see my little fluffy butts! e

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I have not purchased one yet and I don't think I have time to order one online so tractor supply and our local feed store may be my only source to get one and I would like to keep the cost under $100 any recommendations

If TSC and your local feed store are your only options, you're probably going to be pretty limitedon choices. My local TSC had only one model of incubator, the Little Giant. I just purchased a second one so I'd have one to use solely for incubation and one to use as a hatcher. I've had an older LG for several years and have enjoyed it, it gets the job done, but it's not a set it and forget it bator. My older model has a dial that makes dialing in/adjusting the temperature a pain. The newer one, however, is digital, which I'm loving! Since I was getting a new bator, I went ahead and splurged and got myself an auto turner as well, so I'm feeling pretty fancy right now

I got the bator and the turner for around $87 (they were both on sale for $39.99).


My incubator has 25 Silkie/Sizzle eggs in it currently. I'm collecting more so I can go ahead and fill up all the space in my auto turner (and do a staggered hatch, just because I can

).

 

[katiec1824]

How long after being laid are they good

 

[Tammylr]

How long after being laid are they good

After 7 days the hatch rate starts going down drastically.

 

[LisaLouHoo]

Happy Valentines Day to all my silkie friends!! I really need your help and guidance I am about to attempt my first hatch using a incubator...I have absolutely no clue what to do or not do ..I have 4 silkie hens and 2 Cockrels but my hens obviously aren't in the mood to brood lol can someone walk me thru this scary process? ?

There is tons of good info on this BYC Site. Good luck! https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

 

[katiec1824]

I have a question for all you silkie folks..does anyone have pictures of fertile eggs vs duds ?? I have 12 eggs that I put into my incubator yesterday and I have no clue if or how to tell if they are all even fertile viable eggs

 

[Darnbunnies]

Are you planning to candle the eggs?

 

[LisaLouHoo]

I have a question for all you silkie folks..does anyone have pictures of fertile eggs vs duds ?? I have 12 eggs that I put into my incubator yesterday and I have no clue if or how to tell if they are all even fertile viable eggs

Since they are already cooking, I'd just candle on Day 5 and if you see veins, then you have fertile eggs starting to grow. If they are clear, then wait a couple more days and candle and if still clear, start over with fertile eggs. Look for the white dot in the yolk and if fertile, it looks like a bullseye.

Here are pictures: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16008/how-to-tell-a-fertile-vs-infertile-egg-pictures

 

[katiec1824]

I see bullseye on all of them most of the bullseyes are on the Fatter bottom part of the eggs. There are several that look very porous to me....is that a bad sign??