The 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long

[gryeyes]

WORRIED! So many of you are hearing chirping and seeing rocking. I see or hear nothing. I set on the 9th....is that the day all of you set that are having early hatching?

I didn't start incubating eggs durIng the first big Hatches three years ago because I followed the threads and perceived a whole lot of angst and disappointment. Not much into creating situations for myself - on purpose - which would cause that sort of thing. Nope, not gonna incubate.

Then my first broody hen hatched my very first GrandChick. Following HER through that process inoculated me with the bug. I bought my first incubator - just holds 7 chicken eggs- bit it was. Brinsea and really stupid proof. That one didn't have a humidity pump, but it was super easy to use, had an automatic turner <I>AND</I> it counted down the days. 5 out of 7 SHIPPED eggs hatched. I had expected NONE to hatch, having read all the strum & drang posts and I was a first-timer, prolly wouldn't do something right....

Then I made a sea change: I just didn't worry about it. I bought a couple more incubators to up my odds. Low (or no) expectations works great in my situation. I was hooked by the miracle. Eggs I could have had for a meal three weeks earlier actually produced new lives! Any live hatchling is one of those miracles.

So, that's how I operate. I know some folks think it's a waste of money when eggs don't hatch. Heck, I have wasted more money on other things with far less positive results!

I set my eggs late on the 9th so not expecting anything exciting today.

 

[wolftracks]

Way to cute! My kids range from 13 to 20 (6 of them) crazy huh? A couple years ago I wanted more, yes i'm a glutton for punishment I guess.

Got you beat on spacing. My oldest just turned 37, I thought she had just turned 36. LOL Yep, getting old. My youngest will be 17 in May. So 20 years apart and he was born an uncle to 3. And I have 6 also. 10 including the steps which I always count and my oldest stepson is 10 years younger than me.

 

[Shellz]

OMG! Just heard my first cheep! Must be one I grabbed fresh out of nest on the 9th. Yippee!

 

[wolftracks]

I didn't start incubating eggs durIng the first big Hatches three years ago because I followed the threads and perceived a whole lot of angst and disappointment. Not much into creating situations for myself - on purpose - which would cause that sort of thing. Nope, not gonna incubate.

Then my first broody hen hatched my very first GrandChick. Following HER through that process inoculated me with the bug. I bought my first incubator - just holds 7 chicken eggs- bit it was. Brinsea and really stupid proof. That one didn't have a humidity pump, but it was super easy to use, had an automatic turner AND it counted down the days. 5 out of 7 SHIPPED eggs hatched. I had expected NONE to hatch, having read all the strum & drang posts and I was a first-timer, prolly wouldn't do something right....

Then I made a sea change: I just didn't worry about it. I bought a couple more incubators to up my odds. Low (or no) expectations works great in my situation. I was hooked by the miracle. Eggs I could have had for a meal three weeks earlier actually produced new lives! Any live hatchling is one of those miracles.

So, that's how I operate. I know some folks think it's a waste of money when eggs don't hatch. Heck, I have wasted more money on other things with far less positive results!

I set my eggs late on the 9th so not expecting anything exciting today.

Linda I had 2 or 3 horrible hatches with those bog hatches. Spent a ton of money and got 1 egg to hatch ONCE! I hadn't had any problems up until then. I went through a year almost of stressing over killing off chicks and Renee had had enough. She pm'd me and started a thread and once I really studied her cheat sheet I was ok. There were things I was forgetting to do. It was also right after my husband and parents died, so it was like death was following me. I still have bad hatches. My last one sucked, but I got 4 chicks, so it was successful. I had to change the way I saw it all. I have 100+ eggs in 3 incubators right now. I have 4 more in the garage, but hadn't unburied them. All home made and my youngest daughter has asked me why I don't use them since I got 100% hatches in them most times and mostly shipped eggs. Gee I dun kno....But if I get one chick out of all of these and it's healthy, I got a chick....Stil,,,,,,,,,,Would be great if even the iffy eggs all hatched. I'm so ready for a big hatch to happen. I'm still 2 years behind some orders. LOL

 

[Smithyard Farm]

I have chick #1!

little early - its one of my silkie cochin crosses... way cute! just one though...i have 5 more of those... so exciting!!!

 

[Shellz]

Yay for chickies!!! I'm hearing more chirping from mine now! Me thinks the movements are more subtle when eggs are standing in a carton. What a relief to hear some live ones in there!

 

[wolftracks]

Congrats to all of those with pips, zips and chicks!!!

 

[rarebear]

Happy hatching day to everyone!

There are still those who are waiting, watching, praying and working fervently to assist/revive chickies along the way.

You are all doing the best you can. Hang in there!

Meanwhile, know that there are many who are standing by to cheer you onwards!

Thank you

Thanks for standing by....I will be one asking for advise for sure. Having all of the experienced folks here is so much appreciated!

 

[noahsmom]

Thank you for the support. All is going well now, have a pipped white silkie egg rocking and I think about to hatch.

I have chick #1!  e   little early - its one of my silkie cochin crosses... way cute!  just one though...i have 5 more of those... so exciting!!!

Ooo I bet those will be adorable, can't wait to see pics.

 

[ChooksChick]

LOL...

Okay.. so I HAVE baby parrot hand feeding formula sitting on top of my fridge right now. (My sweet Pionus was knocking at death's door over Christmas break, and I hand fed her every 6 hours around the clock for a week and nursed her back to health. The vet said it was a miracle... )... anyway.. I have been saying all day that I was going to mix some up and try it tonight... good to know it was a smart move.. maybe I have some instinct after all...

...well, I suppose I ought to go take my eggs out of the turner in the sportsman...and candle...


I can't believe all the pips and hatches you guys are having!! I am not even close to ready to have chicks...sheesh. Certainly not 100 of them. And on Sunday I set another 200...what the heck am I thinking???

But don't forget to join us for the Cinco de Mayo Hatchathon!!!