The 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long

[Sally Sunshine]

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ENTRY DEADLINE
March 25th

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https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/745339/2013-easter-hatch-a-long-short-story-contest​

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Contest #2​

2013 Easter Hatch-a-long​

"Short Story Contest!"​

We’re looking for short stories!
Think you can write a winning story about “Why you love hatching chicks” in less than 750 words?
Enter the Short Story Competition for your chance to win!
A panel of Judges will determine which story quality justifies a winning place.

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[karimw]

Awe, cute! Partrige Silkies? That's gotta be cockerel on the left

I did candle Monday and pulled 2, one Ameraucana that had a crack I didn't see when I set it, and one very dirty Iowa Blue. Guess I shoulda washed it, though I have a dirtier one in there that is doing fine. Lots of mud on this batch.

 

[delisha]

I do not add humidity until first pip. I live in a humid climate and my humidity in my bator stays around 30% through the whole hatch. I do check air cells to make sure I do not need more humidity. When I get first pip I boost my humidity to 60%. After first hatch, the humidity goes up all on its own. I keep my temp at 99.5-100. I do not go over. I rarely have health issues. Like spongy belly's, or splay legs since I have changed my humidity practice. My hatch rate is better and this time around I am hoping for 100%. I have 100% fertility and this is a first. I have had no quiters or early deaths, and that is a firsts.

 

[Caitlin_VT]

Awe, cute! Partrige Silkies? That's gotta be cockerel on the left I did candle Monday and pulled 2, one Ameraucana that had a crack I didn't see when I set it, and one very dirty Iowa Blue. Guess I shoulda washed it, though I have a dirtier one in there that is doing fine. Lots of mud on this batch.

Yep! I've never had Silkies before, they are really funny little creatures. Only about 3 weeks old - what says boy about the left? Just curious, I remember hearing they can be difficult to sex! (Not that I wouldn't mind a pair

)

 

[chirpingcricket]

Happy Chooks, where are you?
I want to thank you for your encouragement/instruction yesterday re: the slow hatch. I worked my rear off until time to go to sleep. I checked on the eggs one more time and thought I her a peep peep peep. Then nothing. I told myself I was just wishful thinking.
Then this morning, of course. nothing. So after feeding our 2 flocks I decided that this lot had quit.
I go and prepare myself (as a good little nurse), get alcohol, couple pair of tweezers, etc., deciding that I would go ahead and eggtopsy the eggs prior to my husband returning home tonight,..
NO Way!! A chick just started peeping, broke through and is in the hatching process right now.

WHEW! So excited.,.and it's from one of the smallest eggs that I was sure was a quitter????

Thanks so much for your encouragement/instruction! Like so many of you experienced BYC'er your advise and encouragement are priceless! I'll just continue to wait and see.
Anyone in my shoes, just hang in there if possible. Today was 4 1/2 from lockdown or day 22! Talk to you all soon!

 

[noahsmom]

My two newest additions, to tide me over until the eggs start hatching

They are beautiful!!

 

[Caitlin_VT]

They are beautiful!!

Thanks!

 

[bantamgirl]

i just found this so I'm a little late but i did happen to start some eggs on the 10th so looking forward to eggs a day after all of you. good luck with your hatches.

 

[18Peeps]

After Candling Day 11, we have gone from 18 in the incubator down to 8...3 quitters and 7 yolkers. Some of the yolkers were fertil, some were not, but there was no growth...shipping conditions maybe? I suppose this is normal for shipped eggs, but we are hopeful that we will get a couple eggs to hatch!

 

[Shellz]

I do not add humidity until first pip. I live in a humid climate and my humidity in my bator stays around 30% through the whole hatch. I do check air cells to make sure I do not need more humidity. When I get first pip I boost my humidity to 60%. After first hatch, the humidity goes up all on its own. I keep my temp at 99.5-100. I do not go over. I rarely have health issues. Like spongy belly's, or splay legs since I have changed my humidity practice. My hatch rate is better and this time around I am hoping for 100%. I have 100% fertility and this is a first. I have had no quiters or early deaths, and that is a firsts.

That's fantastic! Sounds like you have it figured out!