Straub’s search for colored eggs

[wrathsfarm]

I set every Marans and olive egger egg I have plus a couple from the other girls to get to maximum capacity. 42 eggs total I’m going to need to build some tractors to house these. Some of the Marans eggs are smaller than they should be for the breed Those came from Penny she is almost 2 years old and has always laid this size.

Most of these chicks will eventually be sold but of course I do get first pick if I see any that stand out from the group.

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That is a whole lot of beauty there, my friend.

 

[Tstraub]

That is a whole lot of beauty there, my friend.

Thank you

 

[Tstraub]

I was asked to participate in a member interview. The interview went live this morning here is a link for anyone interested in reading the interview

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/byc-member-interview-tstraub.1656561/#post-28484068

 

[Tstraub]

The chicks got their first free range day today. Some very minor squabbles but Smoky let everyone know if they were getting too close to the little ones. I’m planning on leaving doors open to both the main coop and the grow out pin and let Smoky choose which one to go to at sunset

I have another possible broody. Morticia has been going about her day normally but she has slept in a nesting box 3 nights in a row on a clutch of golf balls. Gena is still sitting on her golf ball and waiting patiently for the next round to come out of the incubator.

 

[TwoCrows]

The chicks got their first free range day today. Some very minor squabbles but Smoky let everyone know if they were getting too close to the little ones. I’m planning on leaving doors open to both the main coop and the grow out pin and let Smoky choose which one to go to at sunset

I have another possible broody. Morticia has been going about her day normally but she has slept in a nesting box 3 nights in a row on a clutch of golf balls. Gena is still sitting on her golf ball and waiting patiently for the next round to come out of the incubator.

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The chicks are growing fast! Cutie pies!

 

[Tstraub]

I candled the eggs tonight and removed 27 eggs leaving 15 viable eggs. 20 were clear showing no signs of development 5 had blood rings. I’m not sure why my fertility rate is so low this year.

 

[Fwoof]

After reading about other members flocks and sharing some details of my own flock across several different threads I have decided to open my own thread detailing my flock. I run a mixed flock of egg layers. My chickens fall somewhere between pets and livestock I spoil them when I can but I don’t raise house or lap chickens

The flock currently consists of my rooster Axl he is a pet quality Black Copper Marans. He has 15 hens and 6 up and coming pullets that are just starting to lay. Breeds include BCM, Wyandotte, JG, OE, EE, BR, light Brahma, buff Orpington, cinnamon queen, and one unknown breed that I bought as a buff Orpington but clearly is not an Orpington.

I do some breeding. My main goals with breeding are getting more colorful eggs and meat for the freezer. I have only been at this for an about a year and a half so I still have a long way to go but I’m getting there. I’ll try to update this thread as things progress.

Anyone who would like to follow along is welcome. Most of my chickens are not in top camera ready condition some of the girls do have significant patches on their backs from breeding and I believe we’re at the beginning of molting season but that all part of chicken raising so I’m sure people will understand.
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What a pretty flock! What a beautiful assortment of eggs as well! There's nothing more pleasing to the eye than a collection of beautifully colored chicken eggs.
Good luck on your chicken keeping journey!

 

[Tstraub]

What a pretty flock! What a beautiful assortment of eggs as well! There's nothing more pleasing to the eye than a collection of beautifully colored chicken eggs.
Good luck on your chicken keeping journey!

Thank you

 

[TwoCrows]

I candled the eggs tonight and removed 27 eggs leaving 15 viable eggs. 20 were clear showing no signs of development 5 had blood rings. I’m not sure why my fertility rate is so low this year. View attachment 4082305

You aren't the only one concerned about fertility rates, @2ndTink has had issues as well. Fingers are crossed these all hatch!

 

[2ndTink]

I candled the eggs tonight and removed 27 eggs leaving 15 viable eggs. 20 were clear showing no signs of development 5 had blood rings. I’m not sure why my fertility rate is so low this year. View attachment 4082305

Yes, as @TwoCrows mentioned, my first hatch was low, but fairly expected because we had a cold snap when I was collecting eggs. The second hatch though I thought should be good but I had 50% develop and 5 quitters. I don't typically get more than 1 or 2. It's been an odd start to hatching this year. The third hatch wasn't much better.

I did just set another big group on Saturday and have over 80% developing, so it might have been the extra cold start to the year we had. We were much colder than usual and I know it took its toll on the birds. Looks like things are straightening up now though! But what am I going to do with a 50+ hatch of chicks