Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[Goin Quackrrs]

Hey strangers!!!

I'm getting ready for breeding season here. Right as soon as I troubleshoot a little problem with the breeding pen housing. Apparently hubs thought that he could use our scrap cedar for the sides. Not good, right?

I just started my cabinet up for 15 eggs. I have to be insane to a certain degree. Just sayin'.

I'm going to fire mine up on Monday for six eggs I will be getting in a trade for garden seeds. It's only a little styrobator, but I feel bad running it for just a few.

I've been thinking of getting a bigger incubator myself. I have quite a few people that want Ancona ducklings this spring and the little Brinsea Mini isn't going to cut it. I really like the Mini and have been looking at the Brinsea Octogon 20 Advance. Anyone have this one? Or have any other suggestions for a good tabletop incubator?

I've heard great things about the Brinsea, but I've never seen one in use in person. We're Hovabator people here.

I'd like a brinsea. I have 2 hovabators (the genisis is pretty good) and one little giant which his more trouble than its worth IMO. Only ok if you fill it up completely with eggs, and monitor humidity and temp round the clock. My next bator is gonna be a big brinsea. I don't see me getting a cabinet one, I only have 2 acres and 50 or so birds.

I have two of the Genesis as well, plus two hatchers that were kit builds. If I had a cabinet, I'd fill it and there's no way I could get away with having so many birds.

I really like my little Brinsea Mini. I just plug it in, set the number of days, temp, and turning settings, and that's it other than adding water to the well every few days. It's really easy. I also like that the plastic is easy to clean - the main reason why I've stayed away from styrofoam.

I might go ahead and try out the Genesis, though. I've heard other people say they like it and it's less than half the price of the Brinsea Octogon 20. Do you use the auto-turner or hand turn? Have you successfully hatched duck and goose eggs in it?

I have autoturners for both the Genesis bators I have. I've actually gone slightly above capacity in them where there were 3-4 eggs off to the side that I had to hand-turn. Hatched chickies, duckies and goosies in mine.

 

[Goin Quackrrs]

Does anyone know if cedar used in duck house construction is bad for ducks the way cedar shavings are? It's going to end up being about 25% of the total construction and well ventilated. We're trying to build with materials we already have and I'm just happy I remembered that this material was cedar before we started building.

If we can't use the cedar as-is, would it help to line the inside with something so there's no direct contact?

Really wish I could have just taken the slightly shabby but huge dog house the previous owners left, but we can't move it. So the dog keeps his house.

 

[Pyxis]

Does it smell really strongly? The rungs on my ramp up to my chicken coop are cedar and my birds touch them every day and have no problem. I think it's just breathing it in all the time that's harmful.

Also, after Crackers passed away, I sort of impulse ordered three more welsh harlequins, one a new drake, and one mystery duckling. They come the week of the 28th and I'm so excited! I think I'm more excited to see what the mystery duck will be than anything Is anyone else expecting babies anytime soon?

 

[Goin Quackrrs]

They wood smelled pretty strongly when I bought it at auction. It's been weathered about 18 months since I bought it. Was thinking about covering the part that faces the ducks with tarp material or something to have a barrier. May just have to try it and see.

I'm getting some hatching eggs on Monday, so a little over 30 days until I get fuzzies again.

 

[Coyote Night]

Quackers - I think if you have proper ventilation in the coop it should be fine.

 

[ChristineR]

Hey strangers!!!

I've heard great things about the Brinsea, but I've never seen one in use in person. We're Hovabator people here.
I have two of the Genesis as well, plus two hatchers that were kit builds. If I had a cabinet, I'd fill it and there's no way I could get away with having so many birds.
I have autoturners for both the Genesis bators I have. I've actually gone slightly above capacity in them where there were 3-4 eggs off to the side that I had to hand-turn. Hatched chickies, duckies and goosies in mine.

Thanks for the info!

Does anyone know if cedar used in duck house construction is bad for ducks the way cedar shavings are? It's going to end up being about 25% of the total construction and well ventilated. We're trying to build with materials we already have and I'm just happy I remembered that this material was cedar before we started building.

If we can't use the cedar as-is, would it help to line the inside with something so there's no direct contact?

Really wish I could have just taken the slightly shabby but huge dog house the previous owners left, but we can't move it. So the dog keeps his house.

I don't think using cedar in the house would harm them. Cedar shavings are constantly being replaced and the smell is a lot stronger, plus they're walking around in it, putting their faces in it, etc.

 

[ChristineR]

Oh yeah, I emailed Holderread's yesterday. I think I'm going to get some Saxony ducklings and a pair of American Lavender goslings.

I'm just waiting to hear back whether they can work out a way to ship them, otherwise I'll have to go pick them up. I thought about getting some Silkie ducks, because I think they're so cute, but I thought I better not get carried away.

 

[seclusionfarms]

I've been thinking about a R-Com incubator, as anyone ever had one or heard about if it is worth the money?

 

[RiverGoddess]

Olah Chikas ! Hatching season is here yeah! Time to fill the Master Bator !

 

[RiverGoddess]

Christine, I believe eye

has the Brinsea... She has great hatches & got it for Christmas 2011