The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[smarsh]

I didn't candle at all, I figured the broody hen doesn't, so what the heck. I have never had trouble with the clears left in; guess I feel different if one broke.
I remember as a kid, finding an egg that was very light weighted and suspect. I broke it on a rock, and the explosion of stuff hit my shoe. I thought I would have to toss the shoes; really smelly.

 

[mklorber]

That was my rationale. I had some down time yesterday at work and visited some threads I don't normally read. The information was all very interesting but it all seemed rather involved. I'm usually the kind of person who thinks "if its gonna happen, it will happen." But I still like to be prepared in any case. These eggs are from Papa Fred (Freds Hens) so I "want to do right by 'em."

 

[Fred's Hens]

That was my rationale. I had some down time yesterday at work and visited some threads I don't normally read. The information was all very interesting but it all seemed rather involved. I'm usually the kind of person who thinks "if its gonna happen, it will happen." But I still like to be prepared in any case. These eggs are from Papa Fred (Freds Hens) so I "want to do right by 'em."

Well, if the kids over KY sent you Barred Rocks, you'll probably do best incubating using the dry method. A splash of water when setting and that's about it until near first pip. I have the most success with these in egg turners or egg cartons. Laying them down on day 19 seems to mess up their orientation. I dunno. These aren't the easiest chicks to hatch, which is why we've been working for a couple years on the vigor issues. I hope they put a few 75 eggs in your box for you.

We've got a long way to go to get these Rocks hatching like the popcorn they should. Here's hoping the best for you.

Papa

PS, yes, all my grandkids call me that.

I find it particularly endearing.

 

[mklorber]

Yep! They came all the way from the great state of KY. It was quite the journey as they were shipped out on Monday but didn't arrive until Saturday. The USPS may not have taken the most direct route! I have been inadvertently incubating using the dry method. Just read about it the other day in the learning center. I have a couple moving around now. I figure any that make it at this point will be naturally culled for vigor. Ha!

 

[DMRippy]

I candle every week, just a quick candle. Just looking for clears or stinkers if I have them. I need to make room for new eggs so I candle so I know how many more I can set LOL. I do not fuss over them. I do try to look at them pretty close at lockdown.

 

[dartfreak75]

Do you sell hatching eggs Fred?

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Do you sell hatching eggs Fred?

Dartfreak75

Just so you know Fred is on a trip this weekend and might not respond to your request until he returns....just wanted to jump in and let you know its not being ignored and I'm certain Fred will reply as he can

 

[dartfreak75]

Thank-you yard full o rocks. Love the handle BTW.

 

[ochochicas]

No, not at all. Pullets like to spar, too.

Update on my "pullets". The barred rock has been fighting with one of the Easter Eggers for the last four weeks. They are 5 weeks old now. This morning I saw the EE crowing so he's definitely a cockerel now too. Funny how they chicks knew when they were just over a week old who the boys were. Makes you wonder what they see that we don't.

 

[speckledhen]

Update on my "pullets". The barred rock has been fighting with one of the Easter Eggers for the last four weeks. They are 5 weeks old now. This morning I saw the EE crowing so he's definitely a cockerel now too. Funny how they chicks knew when they were just over a week old who the boys were. Makes you wonder what they see that we don't.

I have a 10 week old definite pullet who can spar with the best of the big boys. Sparring definitely doesn't determine that the chick is male. Males do spar more than the pullets do, but the pullets do spar. In your case, it just happened to be a cockerel.