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

[sasimpson77]

They were just BYMs actually they were number 21, 22, and 23 and as soon as they finished number 24 and 25 started this is a record hatch for me. There were 58 eggs to start with 3 I already checked as having quit befor lockdown a 4th failed to pip internally and died with fully absorbed yolk so that means I still have 19 to go and have about 10 of those already pipped. I started the hatch with 18 BYMs from a friend who I think is having fertilization issues because only about 8 made it to lockdown the rest were clear, A dozen BYMs I bought from a fellow BYM member they had detached air cells but 5 made it to lockdown one was the one who failed to pip but I have five beautiful thriving chicks from it and then I had 42 BYMs from a local farmer and 3 of my own BYMs. So started with a total of 75 eggs and like I said 58 to lock down 25 hatched already 19 still looking good they were kind of a staggered hatch so really most are not due untill late tonight for a day 21 hatch.

I probably lost everyone with all of that lol so do I judge my hatch off the original 75 or can I go off the 58 who went into lockdown?

 

[TJChickens]

I say:




Use a pencil and mark the air cells as they incubate. When they are set to hatch, watch for the pips if they pip way outside the lines of the aircell, they may need help because they may pip into a bad spot.

Saddle air cells are tough but you can still get a bunch of them to hatch ok!

SET ALL THE EGGS !!! Love that!
Here are pictures of my 4 call duck eggs. I couldn't risk holding them and the light and take a picture, they are so slippery... I have a bad cold and am shaky...So I just took pictures showing the air cells marked with pencil..

 

[PAchickenlover]

[quote url="[URL]https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6225743/[/URL]"] [COLOR=B42000] [/COLOR]

I love that one! ^ ^ [/quote] Me to. Such unique coloring. Can't wait till it feathers out!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Quote: Me to. Such unique coloring. Can't wait till it feathers out!

Yeah!

 

[PAchickenlover]

I say: Use a pencil and mark the air cells as they incubate. When they are set to hatch, watch for the pips if they pip way outside the lines of the aircell, they may need help because they may pip into a bad spot. Saddle air cells are tough but you can still get a bunch of them to hatch ok!

SET ALL THE EGGS !!! Love that! Here are pictures of my 4 call duck eggs. I couldn't risk holding them and the light and take a picture, they are so slippery... I have a bad cold and am shaky...So I just took pictures showing the air cells marked with pencil..

I feel ya on the bad cold issue. I've got it also. First cold of the season actually.. Ate two cloves of garlic earlier (I know don't smell my breath) but I do feel a little bit better already. Good luck with the call duck eggs. I say it is worth a try. I had calls a few years ago but let the hens hatch the eggs as I was told they are very difficult to hatch in an incubator. Hope you feel better!

 

[Pozees]

I was laughing at the comment about chicks running out of the Farm Innovators incubator when used for a hatcher, that just happened to me! I started just over a year ago with 2 of those, then bought a Genesis 1588, then a Brinsea Eco 40, then finally broke down and bought a Sportsman. I use the 1588 as my first choice hatcher, and use the Brinsea to set shipped eggs their first 5 days without the turner then transfer to the Sportsman. When I have a bigger hatch than the 1588 will hold, I will use the Brinsea if it's open, or one of the Farm Innovators, and this weekend I had a chick dart out as soon as I opened the lid, scared the daylights out of me! The chick is fine, and my heart rate finally returned to normal LOL.

 

[PAchickenlover]

Wanted: missing chicken eggs from today. If found hollar... Lol
Apparently my girls have found a really good place to hide their eggs today. They are going to stay in tomorrow! If it kills me.. Lol

 

[PAchickenlover]

I was laughing at the comment about chicks running out of the Farm Innovators incubator when used for a hatcher, that just happened to me!  I started just over a year ago with 2 of those, then bought a Genesis 1588, then a Brinsea Eco 40, then finally broke down and bought a Sportsman.  I use the 1588 as my first choice hatcher, and use the Brinsea to set shipped eggs their first 5 days without the turner then transfer to the Sportsman.  When I have a bigger hatch than the 1588 will hold, I will use the Brinsea if it's open, or one of the Farm Innovators, and this weekend I had a chick dart out as soon as I opened the lid, scared the daylights out of me!  The chick is fine, and my heart rate finally returned to normal LOL.

Wow, note to self..... Don't get one of these and use for a hatcher.. Lol
Glad your heart is back to normal.

 

[Happy Chooks]

So what is everyone using as incubators. I used the LG still air for quails. I like the brisnea just wish it could hold more than 7 eggs. I have 14, just added 4 from my no longer broody hen, all started last Wednesday. Don't want to add new eggs for hatch-a-long. ..thoughts??

I have a Brinsea Octagon 20 and a Hovabator 1602N. I'll probably be using the Hovabator, because I'll have too many eggs to fit in the Brinsea. We'll see though, I may be able to if a hen cooperates.

Quote: Thank you for answering! Is 23-28 days accurate for most types of pheasant?

Now all we need is someone to set Guinea eggs for us to be hatching EVERY type of fowl!

 

[Hurley]

I may have just bid on some eggs to add to my own for the Easter hatchalong...even though I don't need any other types of chickens...even though I've got plenty of chicks in the brooders...even though I had absolutely no reason whatsoever to buy eggs and don't need more chic....OOooo, look, EGGS!