The Best Way to Hatch Chicks

[NoFlyBackFarm]

I've used many methods. I've always wanted to know the best. Mine span anywhere from, my very first time, using a heat lamp and thermometer to broody hens (current). The better hatch rate is usually my broodies, but maybe there is something else I don't know about. I also want to know a good brand of incubators, if anyone has a suggestion. Feel free to post chick pics from different methods as well!

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Hatch rate being ones that survive or hens to roos?

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Ones that actually hatch from a clutch (sometimes I've gotten only 3 out of possible 10)

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Wow. I've always had 100% with my broodys. Of course if the egg isn't developing after 3 to 5 days I remove or swap out and I dont have them a bunch of eggs usually 1 to 3 eggs because I have a large flock and dont need to expand in large #s. But my experience with incubators was horrible and will never use one again. My hen hatched live healthy chicks that do better than any I've ever gotten from a store or shipped.

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Oh, really that's cool! I usually have a 75% hatch rate with my broodies.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Oh, really that's cool! I usually have a 75% hatch rate with my broodies.

Do you check the eggs throughout the hatch? Or just let them do their thing?

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

I check, usually! Sometimes a hen will disappear, and come back with 3 or 4 kids!

 

[Cyprus]

I think you best bet is either a broody (of a usually broody breed) separated from the flock or a good incubator with correct temperature and humidity.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

I check, usually! Sometimes a hen will disappear, and come back with 3 or 4 kids!

I've never experienced that... yet any way. We do a head count so if a hen went missing there would be search parties out to find her lol. I have found hidden clutches in the coop and run. Then there was harriet who would lay her eggs under the exhaust for the dryer. What a wonderful mess that was.

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

I head count to! Sometimes they just disappear and we look, but never find.