Swedish Flower Hen Thread

[EggSighted4Life]

Someone said to dry hatch them. Why would you and how does it effect regular breeds like welsummers if I hatch them in the same incubator?

It was I who said dry hatch.

Other breeds should do great with dry...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...h-eggs-using-the-dry-incubation-method.47694/

The reason to do it is to help prevent drowning at internal pip which some breeds are known for.

And I would think it works well (I hatch Marans) for darker shells like the Welsumer, which need slightly less humidity because of the thickness of the pigment layer slowing evaporation. You can play with it a little. My last hatch I ran at 10% until lock down then 60%. 9/12 hatched with NO candling (because I couldn't see anything). I might go slightly higher than that next time. Maybe 15-20% and then 75%.

So, my first SFH hatch I did at regular humidity levels, I think 45% and 65%. I was very worried about them drowning because it was close to hatch when I learned SFH are SUPPOSED to be harder to hatch with more drowning at pip. It wasn't my experience that time, I also had a great hatch though I can't remember #'s without reviewing records right now. And those were my only 2 hatches so far.

Anyways, now you have the option to choose!

Happy hatching!

 

[emily88]

Thank you for all you help.
I'm going to dry hatch them (SFH, Welsummers, Bielefielders, and Appenzeller Spitz). Mostly SFHs eggs. I'm beginning to get scared they won't hatch.

 

[emily88]

What is the genetics for colors in SFH? I understand blue/black/Splash and self blues because I have a couple self blue amerucanas. Is there a chart somewhere that I can read? I used to do color percentages on my parents horses for fun as a kid.... So I love to figure out what will hatch for colors and figure out what is best to cross to which roo to make the best birds barring siblings and faults.
How do you all breed? Color pens or mixed pens?

Trying to figure out how much room I am going to need for my new coop. This will be coop number five coops 2-4 (25 birds in total in these three coops) are layers and coop one is a brooder, chicken math anyone...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What is the genetics for colors in SFH? I understand blue/black/Splash and self blues because I have a couple self blue amerucanas. Is there a chart somewhere that I can read? I used to do color percentages on my parents horses for fun as a kid.... So I love to figure out what will hatch for colors and figure out what is best to cross to which roo to make the best birds barring siblings and faults.
How do you all breed? Color pens or mixed pens?

Trying to figure out how much room I am going to need for my new coop. This will be coop number five coops 2-4 (25 birds in total in these three coops) are layers and coop one is a brooder, chicken math anyone...

PSHHH, chicken math... Did you know it includes goats... and ducks?!

Anyways, I actually don't know of anyone who separates their SFH colors. The only ones I know of are... blue base, dark base, light base, milli fleur, and sno leapord. But I am here to learn as well! Sounds like you're in for a good time.

 

[NicJames]

Is it too early to tell if my Swedish flower is a hen or roo? He/she is about 7 weeks old.

 

[cree57i]

I will take a guess...pullet

 

[EggSighted4Life]

View attachment 1111685 View attachment 1111682 Is it too early to tell if my Swedish flower is a hen or roo? He/she is about 7 weeks old.

Hi, hope you are enjoying BYC so far!

That is a pullet.

On some breeds 7 weeks might be a little young. But for ME, SFH are coming obvious by 4 weeks and usually it's clear by 6 with seldom exception to late bloomers. But your girl doesn't have any waddles or comb really and no pinkness/red either. Also no dark red feathers popping yet either.

I am confident with my female assessment on THIS chick.

 

[NicJames]

Hi, hope you are enjoying BYC so far!

That is a pullet.

On some breeds 7 weeks might be a little young. But for ME, SFH are coming obvious by 4 weeks and usually it's clear by 6 with seldom exception to late bloomers. But your girl doesn't have any waddles or comb really and no pinkness/red either. Also no dark red feathers popping yet either.

I am confident with my female assessment on THIS chick.

Yay! That's good to hear. We can't keep roosters. Thanks so much! In your experience when do they typically begin laying?

 

[emily88]

Hey All,
I candled my eggs and of the 30 SFH 29 eggs were developing and the one that wasn't had a blood ring and not sign of development. They are holding 99 degrees and 18% humid with sometimes going to 20% humid.

That is a super pretty pullet. She looks like she has a very sweet personality.

Am I the only crazy person hatching eggs this time of year?

Chicken math applies to any type of animal that seems to magical multiply on its own.

 

[cree57i]

Hey All,
I candled my eggs and of the 30 SFH 29 eggs were developing and the one that wasn't had a blood ring and not sign of development. They are holding 99 degrees and 18% humid with sometimes going to 20% humid.

That is a super pretty pullet. She looks like she has a very sweet personality.

Am I the only crazy person hatching eggs this time of year?

Chicken math applies to any type of animal that seems to magical multiply on its own.

A pretty renowned breeder told me that this is the best time of year to hatch. Your spring birds will be ready to lay.