The 6th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long!

[bekkanblue]

We're pretty much done with launching contests for this HAL, but we can keep it in mind for next year. I love the evil broody idea too! We're going to be slammed with judging for all the contests now.

I know the Cinco de Mayo Hatchalong did a photobomb contest last year, maybe they will do it again.

There's a Cinco de Mayo HAL????

 

[Peep-Chicken]

There's a Cinco de Mayo HAL????   e

Yup

 

[Peep-Chicken]

We're pretty much done with launching contests for this HAL, but we can keep it in mind for next year.  I love the evil broody idea too!  We're going to be slammed with judging for all the contests now.

I know the Cinco de Mayo Hatchalong did a photobomb contest last year, maybe they will do it again.

If the need ever arises, I can always help with judging. Not sure what the rules are to be a judge though. Just thought I could offer

 

[bamadude]

I wanna be a moderator

 

[bekkanblue]

OK, just need help reviewing! My little shipped Hedemora eggs finally came, after a 5 day trip from 'out East' and NOT being held at the local post office for pick up as requested. <sigh> Anyway, none were broken, but I'm pretty sure 2/3 have detached airsacs. They're resting here at work, and I have a 40 minute drive home. I'm planning on putting them big side up in cut-down egg cartons, into the bator - should I let them rest out of the bator longer? - and then not touching them for a week. (I can do it!)

No turning of course, and should I not set a cooling time, just do that later? I usually set one at the beginning and let the Mini do it's thing. And after a week, if the airsacs still aren't solid, do I 'turn' by just rocking back and forth a little? Or do nothing?

This is the first time I've set eggs that weren't from my own flocks. Is there anything else I should do/not do to give these guys the best chance?

 

[Peep-Chicken]

I wanna be a moderator

If I could, I would totally be a mod. I think it'd be great helping out the community. I have the seniority, they just accepted two new mods, doubt there will be more soon

 

[SimplyLogan]

Are the air cells too small? How are the eggs developing.

If the air cells look good, then 34% humidity is fine. Normal humidity is 55 to 60% for incubation so 34% is already "dry incubation"


Humidity level is for air cell development. The chart shows the day and the size of the air cell on that day.

They are developing great,, all movement and plenty of veins. i'm just worried because air cell were good for day 7 but not at day 14 about half had no change and the rest very little. Not even close to day 14. Infact when marking them with the ones that increased, half my markings were over top of the day 7 marks. I just worried that the cell wont be big enough. it only leaves 4 days left to lock down. and yes I though 35 was perfect for dry.

 

[SimplyLogan]

What is the humidity in the incubator?
Un popped popcorn absorbs more water than rice.

If you cannot get humidity down, you may need to use a de humidifier in a small room.

I got a strange look when I said i was popping pop corn for the chickens.

 

[ronott1]

I got a strange look when I said i was popping pop corn for the chickens.

Un Popped!

 

[ronott1]

They are developing great,, all movement and plenty of veins. i'm just worried because air cell were good for day 7 but not at day 14 about half had no change and the rest very little. Not even close to day 14. Infact when marking them with the ones that increased, half my markings were over top of the day 7 marks. I just worried that the cell wont be big enough. it only leaves 4 days left to lock down. and yes I though 35 was perfect for dry.

Something else may be going on in the incubator towards the end. Try leaving the humidity at 35% and using the cool down cycle. Another trick is to mist the eggs once a day too. You mist the eggs, take the top of and let the egg dry, up to two ours. The evaporation of the moisture makes the air cell grow.

The air cells will grow a lot during lockdown too. The chicks absorbing the yolk will pull it down.

Cool down cycle:

From days 8 to 18
turn off the incubator for two hours
taking the top off is optional--I like to leave it cracked but not off so they the cats do not mess with the eggs.