The Fathers Day Hatch-A-Long!!! The Last Day To Set eggs Is June 3rd!!!!

[Nsampsel]

I would like to see that notebook page. When they get to lockdown day do you separate or move them? I'm trying to imagine the logistics of this in even a fraction of that kind of volume.

I had 87 eggs in my bator this round. My page would be set up something like this for each batch:

Silkies (red) "Silk"
# Set 8 # Hatched 3
Set Date 5/11
Stop Turning 5/29
Expected DOH 6/1
Actual DOH 6/1

Lemon Cuckoo Orps (orange) "LCO"
# Set 12 # Hatched 6
Set Date 5/13
Stop Turning 5/31
Expected DOH 6/3
Actual DOH 6/3

Call Ducks (lt. blue) "CALL"
# Set 7 # Hatched ____
Set Date 5/13
Stop Turning 6/4
Expected DOH 6/7
Actual DOH _____

And the list goes on

When I get to "lockdown" for each group I just try to move them to the front of the bator & keep them together. Then I know where the eggs are I'm supposed to NOT turn & that I need to watch for pips so I can crank up the humidity. When I add a new batch of eggs, I set them opposite side up from what the current turn is (numbers or codes), that way when I get to 24 hrs later they are on the same side for that turn as all the other eggs (I turn 3 times per day, by hand). Some people have a 2nd bator set up for lockdown & move the eggs to it as they get to that stage. This probably works better humidity wise for the younger eggs, but I still need to get another bator

which I'm hoping to do soon if I can sell a few more of my started chicks.

 

[MoriahQuilts]

I had 87 eggs in my bator this round. My page would be set up something like this for each batch:

Silkies (red) "Silk"
# Set 8    # Hatched 3
Set Date 5/11
Stop Turning 5/29
Expected DOH 6/1
Actual DOH 6/1

Lemon Cuckoo Orps (orange) "LCO"
# Set 12   # Hatched 6
Set Date 5/13
Stop Turning 5/31
Expected DOH 6/3
Actual DOH 6/3

Call Ducks (lt. blue) "CALL"
# Set 7   # Hatched ____
Set Date 5/13
Stop Turning 6/4
Expected DOH 6/7
Actual DOH _____

And the list goes on 

When I get to "lockdown" for each group I just try to move them to the front of the bator & keep them together. Then I know where the eggs are I'm supposed to NOT turn & that I need to watch for pips so I can crank up the humidity. When I add a new batch of eggs, I set them opposite side up from what the current turn is (numbers or codes), that way when I get to 24 hrs later they are on the same side for that turn as all the other eggs (I turn 3 times per day, by hand). Some people have a 2nd bator set up for lockdown & move the eggs to it as they get to that stage. This probably works better humidity wise for the younger eggs, but I still need to get another bator   which I'm hoping to do soon if I can sell a few more of my started chicks.

That is very helpful, thank you. Do you purposely stagger hatches so 'like' breeds are hatching with each other, separate from others? Does that require a number of brood pens?

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I thought the same thing!

Quote: Very clever.

 

[featherz]

Just noticed this - I set eggs on June 2nd, so I'll keep an eye on this thread. Just 21 mutt eggs. Candled today and I have 18 developing.

 

[crazypetlady]

Inquiring minds want to know:  How do you keep track?

I'll have to et you know after they hatch if I can keep up.

I have written on each egg the breed if I can't tell by looking at it, the set date.

I keep a notebook with each set date and each hatch date. I have leg bands and vet wrap for tagging the chicks.

We will see how it goes.

I might just be in over my head, lol.

 

[karimw]

I hatched some of the Iowa Blue/Ameraucana crosses in the Easter Hatch and got nine chicks. The majority were black, but got one Wheaten looking chick and one EE Orange looking chick. There are two of the black ones that are different; one is black and silver (looks like a roo) and the other one looks like it has black lacing...very pretty! Out of the nine, I think I have four roos.

I was wondering how they turned out for you! I just love mine. I was expecting mostly black, but the Iowa Blue sire had a lot of white on him that seems to be dominant. the cockerels are just gorgeous - wish I could keep them all

I'll have to et you know after they hatch if I can keep up.

I have written on each egg the breed if I can't tell by looking at it, the set date.
I keep a notebook with each set date and each hatch date. I have leg bands and vet wrap for tagging the chicks.
We will see how it goes.

I might just be in over my head, lol.

oooh vet wrap - that's a good idea

 

[Nsampsel]

I'm currently using different colors of nail polish on the foot of each of mine when they hatch to tell them apart for a few days until I can tell them apart by feathering. It may work better to put the nail polish right on the feather as it chips off the feet pretty quick. I'm still debating on that 1.

 

[MoriahQuilts]

I'll have to et you know after they hatch if I can keep up.
I have written on each egg the breed if I can't tell by looking at it, the set date.
I keep a notebook with each set date and each hatch date. I have leg bands and vet wrap for tagging the chicks.
We will see how it goes.
I might just be in over my head, lol.

. I'm usually in over my head - but it's not slowed me down yet. I hope it goes very well.

 

[MoriahQuilts]

I'm currently using different colors of nail polish on the foot of each of mine when they hatch to tell them apart for a few days until I can tell them apart by feathering. It may work better to put the nail polish right on the feather as it chips off the feet pretty quick. I'm still debating on that 1.

I found that too. Didn't think of putting it on feathers... Hmmm... Currently using little strips of colored vet wrap but they grow so fast I'm worried to leave it on very long.

 

[Lady EE]

I'm down to 10 out of 14 eggs. My little 3 yr old brother smashed all of the eggs that were under the broody hen( 4 total)

. At least I know at least 2 of them were developing! Do you guys think I should put more eggs under the broody hen?