Tis Time for a March 2020 Hatch-a-long!

[CluckNDoodle]

I put in 10 different assorted eggs from my flock not sure who laid them, but hopefully I get some feathered leg chicks... Looks like we will be getting no more bantam polish and sebright cross chicks because ALL the Polish eggs are infertile now. So I guess I have the two chicks and that's all I'll ever have

Aww, bummer! It doesn't mean she'll never have another fertilized egg! Maybe it's because your roo isn't feeling well?

 

[LilyD]

What’s the purpose behind weighing them? I’m so sleepy today. Stayed up late last night with the eggs that didn’t make it. I did clean the incubator. I do want to sanitize it, will have to look into that soon.

Brooder and chicks will be going out in the shop today. They all seem to be getting along so no need to feel worried. I placed two lamps on one end since it will be in the 40s tonight and then 30s tomorrow night. But I’m sure as they get older I will be removing one of the lamps.

Since the purpose of hatching for me is mainly to make roosters that I can process for the freezer. I weigh the birds to check the speed of growth. Looking for a bird that is quick growing and feathering out but also puts meat not just bones on while growing. The ones that are very good that that will be added to my breeding crew. The ones who don't will go to the swap for 4-H kids or buyers or go in my freezer to feed my family.

 

[LilyD]

We are up to 7 hatched 1 zipping and three others who are externally pipped. My hatcher is turning into a party zone lol. The birds are taking over.
7 babies bouncing all over playing hockey with the eggs and shells.

 

[FortCluck]

Aww, bummer! It doesn't mean she'll never have another fertilized egg! Maybe it's because your roo isn't feeling well?

No idea. I'm bummed out. I played with the two bantam chicks today. Swear I've almost stopped them a few times. They're so wiggly!

I'm hoping I get some nice chicks out of these 10 eggs. We will see

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Well, I went ahead and made a partial zip for the little guy. He was freaking out trying to get out the hole he made. Waiting to see if he does the rest. The membrane does seem a bit dry...I can’t tell if he’s “shrink wrapped”. I’m not experienced enough yet to know.

 

[gmjarvi]

Well, I went ahead and made a partial zip for the little guy. He was freaking out trying to get out the hole he made. Waiting to see if he does the rest. The membrane does seem a bit dry...I can’t tell if he’s “shrink wrapped”. I’m not experienced enough yet to know. View attachment 2043219View attachment 2043220

Fingers crossed for him!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Well, I went ahead and made a partial zip for the little guy. He was freaking out trying to get out the hole he made. Waiting to see if he does the rest. The membrane does seem a bit dry...I can’t tell if he’s “shrink wrapped”. I’m not experienced enough yet to know. View attachment 2043219View attachment 2043220

It's the internal membrane that would shrink wrap the baby if it gets too dry for them to turn.

 

[gmjarvi]

Pray for me...I'm about to buy cayuga hatching eggs and I've already been scolded once for spending too much on poultry stuff.

He should just be happy that I didn't buy the 7 leghorn chicks at TSC today. And they REALLY wanted me to be their mommy.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

It may just need a minute to rest but if you can see the internal membrane now that the hole is big you can tell if it's dry or not. Or open it slightly more just at the air cell part so you can see it better.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

It's the internal membrane that would shrink wrap the baby if it gets too dry for them to turn.

I opened the top of the egg and he is indeed shrink wrapped. Applied triple antibiotic ointment to the membrane and pulled it back a bit.