The 5th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[chicken pickin]

I can leave my head hen in her chosen nest box and none of the other hens bother her or her babies. But I had a low on the pecking order Lav AM hen go broody last year. She got off her nest any time another hen wanted to lay in there. I have 6 nest boxes so they had plenty of other places to lay but wanted to add to Gidget's eggs. I clearly marked her eggs so it was easy to remove the newly laid eggs. The problem that I had was at hatch time. One hatching egg totally disappeared and another newly hatched chick also disappeared. I was disappointed that Gidget didn't protect her babies but decided that motherhood was not for her. I removed the final chick and put it in the brooder with the chicks that hatched in the incubator. She has not gone broody since then, thankfully! Since then, I have successfully moved two broodies from the nest boxes to a nest box in a secure, enclosed outdoor brooder area. I waited until it was almost time for them to hatch. I have also used a medium sized dog kennel placed in the coop. The door can be shut at hatch time to protect the chicks.

I also use dog kennels for broodies, they work great. They keep the hen in her area with her other flock mates but eggs and chicks are protected.

Last summer I did to try to let a hen stay broody in her coop nest box and the younger pullets pecked open a egg that was 3 days away from hatching and then a few days later also pecked a hatched chick to death.

I will always separate broodies from their flock after that experience. Im in the process of building some brooders/broody areas.


Once I had a newly hatched chick completely disappear from what I thought was a very secure broody area

 

[Arielle]

Candled most of the 39 eggs in my bator last night and most of them I can tell are forming! Yay!!! I am so excited to be getting closer to having chicks again!!

Still would love to find someone who has SS hatching eggs.... Anyone?????

Quote: Worth repeating!!! I did have my first batch of chicks purchased from a hatchry vaccinated at the hatchery for merecks and cocci. BIrds from a hatchery might need that protection. OTherwise good breeders breed for resistence like Ron said!

( BOb! I"m learning!!)

Quote:

When you find them, send a few my way. I live in Pa. I'll pay shipping!

Me, too!! I can swing for shipping!!

 

[barredROCKcafe4]

I'm in. Sizzles and silkies will be hatching like crazy. Thanks for the excuse to give my husband for hatching all these chicks lol

 

[chicken pickin]

Worth repeating!!! I did have my first batch of chicks purchased from a hatchry vaccinated at the hatchery for merecks and cocci. BIrds from a hatchery might need that protection. OTherwise good breeders breed for resistence like Ron said!

( BOb! I"m learning!!)

Me, too!! I can swing for shipping!!

I also choose not too vaccinate, I don't even use medicated feed. I feel I have a very healthy flock.


No need for shipping, Ill toss it on the back of my SUV and drive it to you. Maybe Ill pick up a bird or 20 while im there.

 

[ronott1]

When should I start counting for my hatches?
When is day 3?
When is day 7? 14? 18? 21?
I think that sounds silly, but IDK whether to count the first day as day 1 or day 0.
For instance, I set eggs on Monday morning about 10.
I need all the expert advice and info and experience I can get!!!

It is not an exact thing. The rule of thumb has to do with setting them before or after 12 noon. Before and the set day counts, after and the set day does not count.

The important thing is to candle on day 7 for air sell size. I often candle on day 10 to remove clears, blood rings and early quitters.

We need to practice patience with hatching. There is not much we can do but make sure our incubator is doing it's work for us.

 

[Arielle]

Oh- I wanna do this! How do I play? I will set my Orpington eggs! Are any more prize eggs needed? I have Jubilee, BBS, chocolate/mauve and lavender!

Love ORps--

OK I'll probably regret this, but I'm in. What do I have to do this time around.

BTW, if I get another zero hatch, I'm hitting the feed store and lying. Just wanted to be an honest liar.

Who knows. Maybe one of my super broodies will feel the need to sit for me.

What kind of prizes are you looking for?

Whatcha setting??

Today is day 21 for 32 ee eggs. Just left for work with 12 pips. Any guesses on how many chicks when I get home?

17

with more to hatch tonight!

 

[TeaChick]

Hoping it's a great day for all.

Thank you.
You too!!! =)

 

[blacktop240]

I donated a $25 gift card for byc store for one of the contest. I got told not to hatch any more birds till after we move to PA... But, forget that I'll be joining in this year for chickens! I'll just spend some $ on some rare hard to find chickens that should soften the blow and lessen the trouble I get in from the wife! Lol or atleast I hope so...

 

[TeaChick]

It is not an exact thing. The rule of thumb has to do with setting them before or after 12 noon. Before and the set day counts, after and the set day does not count.

The important thing is to candle on day 7 for air sell size. I often candle on day 10 to remove clears, blood rings and early quitters.

We need to practice patience with hatching. There is not much we can do but make sure our incubator is doing it's work for us.

Thank you!!! =)
Also, thanks for the digest (it's the only way I can really keep up!!! IDK how you do it!)

 

[PetRock]

I also use dog kennels for broodies, they work great. They keep the hen in her area with her other flock mates but eggs and chicks are protected.

Last summer I did to try to let a hen stay broody in her coop nest box and the younger pullets pecked open a egg that was 3 days away from hatching and then a few days later also pecked a hatched chick to death.

I will always separate broodies from their flock after that experience. Im in the process of building some brooders/broody areas.


Once I had a newly hatched chick completely disappear from what I thought was a very secure broody area

Exactly my experience! I hope that at least a couple of my girls go broody this year. I love watching mama hens raising babies!