Styrofoam Incubators Club

[SpinningJenny]

Two external pips! OK, I can go to bed now.

 

[MeepBeep]

So, as it turns out, I "misunderestimated" my feed delivery date and the chick starter won't be here for another week... I know the chicks that are hatching now will have their yolks to use up for a few days (2? 3?) but what pantry items would be good for grinding up for them until the feed arrives?

I make no claims that this is a balanced diet as it's likely short on the essential amino acids due to lack of animal protein but it's plenty good for their first week and even more in the end... You can also toss in some smashed hard boiled eggs to give them some animal proteins...

These are some of your ingredients with their protein content... I took out a few things, some because of 'grinding' issues and others just because, trying to keep it simple..

rolled oats 13%
rolled rye 10%
green split peas (dried) 24%
red lentils 25%
green lentils 25%
breads crumbs 13%

Take 1 part each of the above and blend into a fine grind... The end results is a near 18% feed, sufficient as a chick starter... Don't wait three days you can start them on this right away...

If you run out of one thing swap it for something of a similar or higher protein level... For example if you run out of peas, you could replace that portion with lentils and maintain the near 18% feed...

 

[SpinningJenny]

I make no claims that this is a balanced diet as it's likely short on the essential amino acids due to lack of animal protein but it's plenty good for their first week and even more in the end... You can also toss in some smashed hard boiled eggs to give them some animal proteins...

These are some of your ingredients with their protein content... I took out a few things, some because of 'grinding' issues and others just because, trying to keep it simple..

rolled oats 13%
rolled rye 10%
green split peas (dried) 24%
red lentils 25%
green lentils 25%
breads crumbs 13%

Take 1 part each of the above and blend into a fine grind... The end results is a near 18% feed, sufficient as a chick starter... Don't wait three days you can start them on this right away...

If you run out of one thing swap it for something of a similar or higher protein level... For example if you run out of peas, you could replace that portion with lentils and maintain the near 18% feed...

Awesome, thanks! I'll give them a bit of egg, and do you think I should stir in some yogurt or coconut oil or something else to make it crumbly for them?

 

[SpinningJenny]

We've got four pips now, and a cool video of the eggs peeping and rocking to say thanks for all the advice and support in this thread. You guys rule!

 

[MeepBeep]

do you think I should stir in some yogurt or coconut oil or something else to make it crumbly for them? 

i personally would not bother, but it's up to you... Beware chickens can't digest lactose, so although they will be able to use the probiotics and the converted lactose sugars in the yogurt any lactose left over will flush through their system and can give them the squirts, so use it in moderation...

 

[SpinningJenny]

i personally would not bother, but it's up to you... Beware chickens can't digest lactose, so although they will be able to use the probiotics and the converted lactose sugars in the yogurt any lactose left over will flush through their system and can give them the squirts, so use it in moderation...

OK, got it. Maybe I'll mix in a little fermented cabbage water instead. We always have that around and the current hen loves it!

 

[LaPoulet]

I will be setting some eggs later today. First time in many years. They were shipped from out of state. Worst yet, the Post office was supposed to hold them and call me but they sent it out on the truck to be delivered. Thankfully I called them about nine after I checked the tracking number and requested the location of the truck. I intercepted the package about two hours into their route. Got home and set the eggs in an egg carton to sit and settle. One was slightly cracked so I opened it and it was fertile. The shells are thick and hard and brown and I haven't been able to candle them. I'm heading to the store now to see if I can find a decent light. I read an article though that is stating that their hatch rates increased when they did not candle the eggs. What are your thoughts on this? My farm pro has kept a steady temp for the past two days. I have four thermometers and two Hygrometers in it. I will be setting 14 eggs.

 

[LaPoulet]

We've got four pips now, and a cool video of the eggs peeping and rocking to say thanks for all the advice and support in this thread. You guys rule!

What kind of candler have you been using? Thanks

 

[SpinningJenny]

What kind of candler have you been using? Thanks

I have a nice bright Ever ready LED flashlight from the hardware store. $5 maybe? I took a toilet paper towel tube, slit it and wrapped it around the light and secured it with packing tape. I probably didn't need to have it so long, so I think next time I'll cut it down so the egg is closer to the LEDs. Might make it easier to see thru the darker shells!

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[LaPoulet]

Maybe that's what I need to do. I have a pretty bright light but I need to capture more light and direct it better. Thanks