The 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long

[wolftracks]

Well, might I start with Happy April Fools Day because the story I am about to share involves April Fools Day. I wanted to pull a great April Fools prank so I went on Craigslist and I rented a duck. When my Dad got home he was not expecting that. And might I say he DID NOT think it was funny. My punishment is, I can't play with the five chickens for an entire 24 hours. Oh well. I'll think of a better trick next year!

I think it was awesome and worth the 24 hrs.

 

[karimw]

My hatch is finished:
32 set
3 clear
29 locked down
20 hatched - 2 Black Ameraucana split to Lavender, 18 Iowa Blues.

I did a dry hatch in my Genesis with a turner. Humidity was about 20 - 25 % through out, but air cells ended up huge and the chicks were very sticky. From what I could see of the 9 that were left only 1 had piped externally and died, 1 had pipped internally and died, the rest never pipped at all. Next time I use the Genesis I'll keep water in it and hand turn. Always works out better for me.

 

[rarebear]

Just candled. I tossed one that looked like it had died a while ago. It is a good thing I took it out too because it smelled bad when I cracked it open. I left the other two in there. The Australope was completely dark but the air cell was still there. The veins on the Easter Egger disappeared and the air cell was still on that one too. It does not look good at all. I am so disappointed.

Is it still possible for them to be last or am I past that point?

I thought I was done too but a Cream Legbar hatched this afternoon and another pipped. I am waiting till after day 25.

 

[ronott1]

My hatch is finished: 32 set 3 clear 29 locked down 20 hatched - 2 Black Ameraucana split to Lavender, 18 Iowa Blues. I did a dry hatch in my Genesis with a turner. Humidity was about 20 - 25 % through out, but air cells ended up huge and the chicks were very sticky. From what I could see of the 9 that were left only 1 had piped externally and died, 1 had pipped internally and died, the rest never pipped at all. Next time I use the Genesis I'll keep water in it and hand turn. Always works out better for me.

Up the humidity by 5%. Turning did not make them sticky. Sticky comes from not absorbing the yolk correctly.

Double check the temperature with a Brinsea spot check and run it closer to 100 degrees. For me, 30 to 35% hatches best in a Genesis.

 

[Arielle]

Quote:

I agree with Wolf, so worth the punishment!!

My hatch is finished: 32 set 3 clear 29 locked down 20 hatched - 2 Black Ameraucana split to Lavender, 18 Iowa Blues. I did a dry hatch in my Genesis with a turner. Humidity was about 20 - 25 % through out, but air cells ended up huge and the chicks were very sticky. From what I could see of the 9 that were left only 1 had piped externally and died, 1 had pipped internally and died, the rest never pipped at all. Next time I use the Genesis I'll keep water in it and hand turn. Always works out better for me.

Good experiemnt. The %rh that works for me is different between winter and summer. I ususally check the aircells to see if they are on track. Every house can be different-- go for what works!! @0 chicks is pretty good!!! Nice job!

Quote: Good idea!! My hatch was very strung out-- thursday to Sunday-- waiting another day before cleaning and moving next batch into hatcher.

 

[chickenpooplady]

I thought I was done too but a Cream Legbar hatched this afternoon and another pipped. I am waiting till after day 25.

Thank you! I am going to wait till then and hope for the best.

 

[cmtigger]

Today is day 21, so I still have some time to watch. I just took out the dry chicks and closed the incubator back up- total is31 eggs set, 16 hatched, 3 more pipping and peeping, and 12 that haven't done anything yet. I didn't bother to candle this batch since about a third of them were black copper marans eggs. All are from my own chickens.

So, the easter egger/bcm crosses mostly look like bcm, but with fluffy cheeks. Two are chipmunks. Then the dominiques have white spots on their heads and wing tips. I haven't tried to sex those yet. I have them in a brooder where I had some week old bantams, and it is so funny to see the white chicks with all of the black chicks.

 

[QuirkySue]

I don't know how to quote...but for the person looking for bigger brooder...I use a kiddie pool but wrapped it entirely around the sides and top with chicken wire. I folded the sides down and tied them together which left a small opening that I covered with the screen.






This is my new project. Two level brooder, made from a 25$ tv wall unit type thing on craigslist, that I painted red and white barn colours. One large door will go on the top and the original two doors on the bottom. Hubs has to wire it with bulbs for me.

 

[Arielle]

I can't help it! I love the sound of chirping chicks. I can lay in bed and fall asleep to the sound. Sweet little baby things anyway!

Good night all........

Maybe my DH didn't mind that chick peeping all night afterall . . . .

 

[Arielle]

Quote:
Hope you had a great day!!