Test Incubation: Due to hatch 12/19 (including eggtopsies **graphic pictures**)

[Redhead Rae]

I hope to have a bunch of broodies this year. it is SOOO much easier than incubating and brooding yourself. I someday aim to have over 30 broodies like @WVduckchick did last year. Unfortunately, I need to hatch as many chicks from my Dark Cornish as I can if I want to get a breeding program established (and fill up the freezer). This was just a test run for me.

 

[WVduckchick]

Here are some pictures of the Dominique cross chick. I think I have a pullet. So far no sign of a dot on the head (the fluff is still sticky in places, like the head, so I may need to get a toothbrush and "preen" the chick). The chicks I purposefully bred are supposed to be Black Sex links.
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Very cute!!

I hope to have a bunch of broodies this year. it is SOOO much easier than incubating and brooding yourself. I someday aim to have over 30 broodies like @WVduckchick did last year. Unfortunately, I need to hatch as many chicks from my Dark Cornish as I can if I want to get a breeding program established (and fill up the freezer). This was just a test run for me.

I agree with aart. Momma hens know how to do it.

I would bet that your incubator fluctuated a bit. Insulating the outside will help. Spring and summer will be better too!

Be careful wishing for the broodies, I had so many, it hurt egg production, so I couldn't sell nearly as many as i would have liked. I think almost every girl I have that was old enough took a turn sitting. That's 2-3 months without an egg from each them, while they do their thing.

Now I'm left with all these cockerels! Lol

 

[Kukukachu]

I see a little condensation in those pictures. A little is fine, just make sure there isn't any on the top, where it can drip on the eggs.

What happens if some drips on the eggs?

 

[Redhead Rae]

Very cute!!



I agree with aart. Momma hens know how to do it.

I would bet that your incubator fluctuated a bit. Insulating the outside will help. Spring and summer will be better too!

Be careful wishing for the broodies, I had so many, it hurt egg production, so I couldn't sell nearly as many as i would have liked. I think almost every girl I have that was old enough took a turn sitting. That's 2-3 months without an egg from each them, while they do their thing.

Now I'm left with all these cockerels! Lol

That is why I'm dealing with broody breeds and non-broody breeds. Delaware and New Hampshires can go broody, but they aren't known for it. I have Orpingtons, dominique crosses and Cochin crosses that I'm hoping go broody. I'm looking into getting some Standard Blue Cochins this year as well.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Lookie, lookie what I just found!!!!

It's a little cockerel. He has a huge spot on his head. He hatched out of egg #24, which is the one I was worried about being twins.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

HELLZ YEAH!!!!!!!

 

[Redhead Rae]

Yup, this gives me more hope for the rest of the eggs.

 

[lazy gardener]

 

[WVduckchick]

What happens if some drips on the eggs?

Drips aren't critical. Of course you don't want a drip falling into a pip, and the shell needs to stay dry and crisp for zipping.

Lookie, lookie what I just found!!!!

It's a little cockerel. He has a huge spot on his head. He hatched out of egg #24, which is the one I was worried about being twins.
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Excellent

 

[21hens-incharge]

The little yellow one looks better. That's a good thing!!

I know you have more babies in them eggs! Super happy about your new fluffies!