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

[rjohns39]

Don’t throw them in the compost pile. Miracles happen!

Are you referring to my compost egg?

 

[Sassysouth]

Are you referring to my compost egg?

 

[WVduckchick]

I've heard of plenty of trash can chicks, but Bob, I think you have the only compost chick.

 

[rjohns39]

ok... for the benefit of the audience... I tossed a late death egg (day 25) in my compost bin, an hour later I had a live chick and she's now in my pasture.

ETA: I think the compost might have been warmer than the bator.

 

[Sassysouth]

ok... for the benefit of the audience... I tossed a late death egg (day 25) in my compost bin, an hour later I had a live chick and she's now in my pasture.

ETA: I think the compost might have been warmer than the bator.

I just love the story. When I brought it up the other day I didn’t know it was you who posted the story. And I wasn’t paying attention to your egg days.

 

[rjohns39]

luv you sassy...

 

[Redhead Rae]

I got the eggs all moved to one incubator for lockdown. I found some non-slip matting to put in the bottom of the tub for the incubator 2 eggs. Thanks for the tip @WVduckchick

I'm concerned about 3 different eggs. #16 and #19 from incubator look like they have too much space in the egg. But I put them in anyway since they don't smell or aren't showing signs of "growths" of nastiness inside.

One of the incubator one eggs seemed to have an odd spot on the inside, but it didn't smell, But I didn't see any movement either.

Now, we wait.

 

[WVduckchick]

for a good hatch!!

The pics kinda look like late quitters, but anything is still possible. Pics can be deceiving. They do look safe to have left them in, rotten ones are usually totally dark and sloshy.

Best of luck!

 

[Altfrizzle]

Might they have just been in a cooler spot, and developed slower?

 

[Redhead Rae]

Well, I've actually gotten a few things accomplished today in preparation for the chicks hatching. I kicked the roosters out the the coop and moved our smallest mobile coop into their run. I will be doing in 2 or 4 of the roosters in the next week or so so that should reduce the pressure. I know the size of the coop isn't ideal, but I have 6 of them in about 200 sqft of space. 59 sqft of covered area to shelter from weather and another 141 or so uncovered. I ran an electric cord out to the coop for the heater plate. I still need to add the plate to the coop as well as feed and water dishes, but that should be easy. I also added fresh bedding to the big coop and turned it. That was a dusty job. I probably should have worn at least a bandanna over my face but didn't think it through before I went out there. I don't want the chicks on completely fresh bedding as I think it is good to inoculate the chicks with your flock bugs early. I threw some fresh hay into the run for the roosters as well. They are having a grand old time picking through it.

Since today is day 20, I've been checking the eggs periodically. Both of my broody hatches hatched on day 20. To look at the eggs I use my cellphone or candler to shine a light through the side to look to see if any of the eggs have rolled or moved out of position. No movement yet (that I can see).