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

[Quailsong]

too many to quote, but the bucket of dead squirrels started out because I had one squirrel who was just destroying EVERYTHING! he was like Midas but in stead of turning everything he touched into gold he just broke everything he touched, he destroyed my bird feeder, then as if an entire bird feeder of feed wasnt enough, he eviscerated the bag of birdseed- from the bottom... even though the top was open. then he utterly destroyed a bag of trash from my car. yes that might have been tempting since i do think there was some food in there, but i literally, cleaned my car, dropped the bag on the porch, backed my car back into the garage and went to get the bag of trash and he had already spread it all over the porch and front yard. and this was all in the same day. so- he HAD to go. I got him with my pellet gun and then thought it was a waste to just have one squirrel so I got a few more to skin out and get the meat from to make a pie. unfortunately after I got a few more, my daughter got a super high fever and i spent all day worrying and forgot about the squirrels.

hence, the bucket of dead squirrels aka: perfect spot to lay eggs apparently. I don't think anyone needs to see a photo of a squirrel nestbox, but here is some squirrel damage:

Oh that's awful. And out of morbid curiosity, I do wonder what a squirrel nestbox looks like...

 

[ronott1]

Ok so here is a question: I just got a couple of Rcom incubators, and a friend said "they are nice, but people say they hatch more males" is this possible? i kind of dismissed it when she said it, but I just hatched norwegian jaerhons and I clearly have 1 female and 7 males. coincidence ? I always thought chickens weren't affected by the temperature, or else hatcheries would just use the "more females temperature" I am sure someone has answered this already on some other thread but thought i would get a quick answer here, plus they are cute and everyone loves pictures of chicks

The gender is set when the Hen\pullet makes the egg. If you are having 80% or better hatch rates, the incubator is not a factor. There is a possibility that too high of temperatures will kill, I think-- I am going off of memory- the males. If true, then the incubator needs to be calibrated for temperatures.

So, in a nut shell, the incubator will not change gender but it is possible to kill one gender or the other by having a poorly calibrated incubator.

Ask the friend of the eggs hatched on day 21. If they hatched on day 19, it is running too hot on average. If on day 23, too cold.

 

[angelobutter]

The gender is set when the Hen\pullet makes the egg. If you are having 80% or better hatch rates, the incubator is not a factor. There is a possibility that too high of temperatures will kill, I think-- I am going off of memory- the males. If true, then the incubator needs to be calibrated for temperatures.

So, in a nut shell, the incubator will not change gender but it is possible to kill one gender or the other by having a poorly calibrated incubator.

Ask the friend of the eggs hatched on day 21. If they hatched on day 19, it is running too hot on average. If on day 23, too cold.

excellent. haha i didn't think it was possible, but then when i had so many boys hatch i got nervous lol
oh edited to say, the hatch rate was : 10 eggs shipped, 1 clear, 9 to lockdown, one dead in shell full developed, 8 hatched (7 boys 1 girl)

 

[angelobutter]

Oh that's awful. And out of morbid curiosity, I do wonder what a squirrel nestbox looks like...

haha i do have a picture.... but I know we have some tender hearts on this forum so I don't know if posting it is wise.

 

[ronott1]

excellent. haha i didn't think it was possible, but then when i had so many boys hatch i got nervous lol

It is a function of averages. I keep hoping that the average thing will swing way out of whack and I will win big at Lotto.....

 

[ChickenCanoe]

We just moved out where we have space for bees. When I get my chickens going, my next venture is bees. I have no clue how to start though; hopefully can find someone local to help me learn

People even raise bees on flat roofs in the city.
They're manageable virtually anywhere.
I'm considering placing a hive by the clothes drying line. Don't think that will go over very well.

I would they it but half of my house is allergic to bees so I think it'd be better not to.

Unless one is handling the hives and bees, stings are unlikely. The bees try to save their stinger to protect the hive. They rarely sting when afield unless stepped on or get caught in clothing. A swarm won't sting either since they have no hive or brood to protect. Same with a package of bees.

I've been stung once, by my first set of bees. Haven't been stung by this group yet, though I came close yesterday when one got stuck in my hair. I got it out without getting stung!

I got stung several times by my first bees since I had a cheep suit that let some get caught inside and they had no choice since they got squished.
Buy good equipment and it will last a long time.

 

[mlm Mike]

Don't forget to vote for the winner of Caption Contest #1:

vote here : https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...s-in-the-caption-1-contest/0_90#post_13214446

 

[foxvalleyfarm]

@ronott1

Is this what you meant for Opps?

It is sitting upright I know it doesn't look like it.

 

[pinusresinosa]

My easter hatch was a total failure. I've already ended mine... 0 have/will hatch. All three goose eggs were clear, and all but two rouen eggs were clear. The last two quit, visible at the second candling.

 

[ronott1]

@ronott1

Is this what you meant for Opps?

It is sitting upright I know it doesn't look like it.

That is quite a set up you have there!

the eggs look good!