Test hatch on lockdown

[MargaretAnneHK]

It's been a couple years since I have done any incubating. I sold all my incubators and was determined I was DONE.
LOL, well...not so!
Right now I have a styrofoam incubator (have had good luck with these in the past. Each one has been kind of trial and error but once you get the quirks of your particular incubator figured out, it's really not that difficult!) with 18 Buff Brahma eggs supposed to hatch tomorrow.(However mine have sometimes gone a day early or a day or two late.)
I didn't think I would be on pins and needles, having done this before, but I have been second guessing myself like CRAZY!!!!! Probably since it is a first hatch with a new incubator or maybe I am just paranoid.

 

[Roxannemc]

It's been a couple years since I have done any incubating. I sold all my incubators and was determined I was DONE.
LOL, well...not so!
Right now I have a styrofoam incubator (have had good luck with these in the past. Each one has been kind of trial and error but once you get the quirks of your particular incubator figured out, it's really not that difficult!) with 18 Buff Brahma eggs supposed to hatch tomorrow.(However mine have sometimes gone a day early or a day or two late.)
I didn't think I would be on pins and needles, having done this before, but I have been second guessing myself like CRAZY!!!!! Probably since it is a first hatch with a new incubator or maybe I am just paranoid.

i second guess myself every hatch!You think after a while youd get over it but i dont think you do.Always later have some regret either on incubating or on a chick! GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Thank you!! I had my eye on some eggs I wanted to try after this but I might have to do one or two more test hatches,lol. It will depend on what happens over the next few days.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have been hatching since jan. I don't think I have slept straight through one night.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

I hear ya!! During this incubation period I was constantly up and checking the incubator temps and humidity. I tried dry hatching this time which I had never done before.
AND!!!! I looked in the incubator, I have my first pip!! Whoohoo!! I guess I didn't forget how to incubate after all,lol.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Well, three pipping so far and I even heard a little peep. This is one of my favorite parts of having chickens, that's for sure.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Two little buff brahmas hatched and more pipped!

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have 5 more days to go.

 

[MargaretAnneHK]

Well, best of luck with your hatch!

I have four out now. I expect at least one other to hatch, maybe more? I am just happy with what I have anything else will be a bonus.

 

[gimmie birdies]

candled all 13 have veins near the top of air cell rest of egg dark. (day 16) air cell right position. my lock down will be keeping the lid closed.

. these are mystery chicks from a neighbor and a vet's fridge.. I am hoping to get a couple of gray onesthe neighbor had a pretty gray hen., but I would be happy with one. I am also hoping for a naked neck. (from the vet.)