Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[JulieNKC]

Geese will sound alerts, but won't protect a flock from predators. Ours are the first to alert, but it doesn't stop the hawk fly by. The Great Pyrenees and goats however, the hawks avoid the pastures they happen to be in.

My turkey does a great job keeping the chickens alerted, but my ducks have always hung out by themselves. I'm hoping the geese will be more likely to hang out in the same spot as the ducks, and keep an eye on them. They also have a lot of trees for cover in their yard I was planning on cutting way back for more sun, but maybe I'll leave them.
Or cover their whole yard in deer netting. It might not stop a hawk, but maybe slow it down enough to let everyone get to cover. The ducks aren't allowed out of their yard during the summer unless someone is there to supervise anyway, since they like to go poop in the kids wading pools.

 

[JulieNKC]

Ok, guys. It's almost the end of day 29 and there's nothing happening. Is it time to pip for them? If so, should I up the humidity?

Sorry, what are you hatching?

Ducks? Have they internally pipped? Can you candle one and take a pic to show us?

 

[Iain Utah]

Ok, guys. It's almost the end of day 29 and there's nothing happening. Is it time to pip for them? If so, should I up the humidity?

You definitely need to check them to see if they are still alive. Take them into a dark room and candle. If possible, take a pic and post it. If you do not see any movement at edge of air cell line... or shadows moving in the back of the air cell, then you may want to do the float test with them.

 

[Marty1876]

I have a royal palm that was born 12/26/11 I was clean out there area and placed her on the floor to run around and placed all the day old/1week old in a bin well she decided she wanted the babies back... it was so cute I had to take pictures if you take her away all she dose is scream for them...

at less I know she will be a good mom

Hi Chicks! I was starting to wonder about you. Id planned to send you a PM today and see if you were ok. Cute babies! Do I see baby chocolates in there, with their little white faces??

 

[Marty1876]

I spent WAY too much money on them... but I have wanted eggs from this seller from the beginning... so I said screw it, I will win the auction at all costs. And it did cost.

Between the new ancona eggs, my 10-12 goosie eggs, and Celtic's "surprise" eggs she is sending me, I am not sure I even want to count how many eggs I will have in my bator by Wednesday!

Iain-
I can't blame you! I want some anconas now too. I'm ordering another incubator this week, so I'll have enough good bators for the hatch-a-long. I don't have enough space anymore! (that, and I spend too much time looking at hatching eggs on ebay)

Evelle-Got those boys yet??

 

[Marty1876]

WHY NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i think its there ugly lookin mug that make me attracted to them..
i just want to see if id like them or not.

and its the spitzhauben that i want and the houdan those things look awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like naked necks (Turkins, we called them) They were my first chicken about 32 years ago! Good layers, and good size for dual purpose. Also kind of friendly, if you take some time with them. They are quite the converstion piece, too!

IS there anyone else here? Why does it always seem like I'm leaving 3 or 4 messages in a row, while catching up, and nobody is here?

 

[Marty1876]

HI QJ (and everyone else) just catching up

i thought i had the multi quote thing figured out but it didn't work, i am so bad at things like this

not sure who wrote the naked necks were not on their list, but i am right there with you! they are kinda scary

oh and i am kinda bidding on some turkey eggs... how to tell hubby??? maybe he won't notice a few turkeys in the brooder, the bator is no problem he avoids that room like the plauge

Just tell him they were supposed to be chickens! They are pretty similar for a couple of days after hatching!

 

[Marty1876]

You definitely need to check them to see if they are still alive. Take them into a dark room and candle. If possible, take a pic and post it. If you do not see any movement at edge of air cell line... or shadows moving in the back of the air cell, then you may want to do the float test with them.

What the heck is the float test? I've never even heard of it. Oh, and Hi!

 

[Iain Utah]

Celtic posted instructions on the float test a while back... as I understand it you carefully set egg into dish of lukewarm water. The aircell end will rise to the top. This will basically suffocate the baby inside as the water shuts off air. If alive, it will vibrate/wiggle. If it is not alive, nothing will happen. If alive, quickly take it out and pat off with paper towel!

I used to verify the 2 goose eggs that didn't hatch were not alive.

 

[Marty1876]

I'm ebay biddig on some magpie duck eggs! Does anyone have them? They are sooo cute with their black and white bodies. The are another rare heritage breed, and they lay white or green tinted eggs.

I think I'm in love! (Good thing I'm getting another bator!)