Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[hallerlake]

Quote:
Renee, incubation temps have absolutely nothing to do with determining the sex of a chick, it is a myth. The hen carries the sexing chromosomes. She alone determines if the egg will house a male or female. So nothing you are doing is wrong. And remember, you had a very high hatch rate last time. That is what is important with hatching.

I have read that female embryos may be more susceptible to incubation temps being too high. I your female embryos quit, but not your males. You would end up with more males hatching. I don't know if this is true.

 

[hallerlake]

anyone successfully keep a rooster in their garage and put him with the hens during the day? I know not right when it's illegal but I want to be able to hatch from my own chickens. My mom doesn't like the rooster and i loves him he cuddles with me. so I am going to go and get him back.

Rainwolf used to keep roosters in the garage at night so he wouldn't wake the neighbors. She may still.

 

[hallerlake]

Quote: X 2. Even pet quality bird from a breeder who has been breeding for health and longevity is worth more than a hatchery bird.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Does anyone have baby chicks TODAY? Like...day olds? My poor Lucy is SO skinny she's worrying me. She's been broody for over 3 weeks already and only comes off the nest when I take her off. Otherwise, she's so stubborn she stayed there for 2 days at a time. I'm worried about her and don't want to wait until Thursday morning (before daylight) to give her the chicks I ordered. That's still 5 more days...boo.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Hmm...wondering if I should give Baxter Barn another try, and head there today for their 3 day old chicks; they even have SS available!

 

[Chicken Rustler]

I've got a 2nd coop all set up with it's own run, and it's ready for more chickens, but we're striking out lately on finding birds for a decent price. Question- what do you all think a person should pay for a non-show quality bird that is just used for eggs? I see people trying to sell hens on Craigslist for $25 and I think that's ridiculous, even if they have fed all organic feed.

IMHO $20 -$25 is a pretty fair price for a young POL pullet / young hen. I guess it's a matter of ones own perspective of value. I just sold some 9 week old pullets for $10 each and that was cheap. They were not sold as SQ just layers.
One can always go to the auction and take their chances that the bird you will pay $6- $14 will a good layer. Don't hold yer breath. The auction is typically a dumping ground.
Good luck.

 

[KMHunter]

Does anyone have baby chicks TODAY? Like...day olds? My poor Lucy is SO skinny she's worrying me. She's been broody for over 3 weeks already and only comes off the nest when I take her off. Otherwise, she's so stubborn she stayed there for 2 days at a time. I'm worried about her and don't want to wait until Thursday morning (before daylight) to give her the chicks I ordered. That's still 5 more days...boo.

Give her some oatmeal with feed mixed in. And make her get off the nest twice a day to eat. She should be fine until Thursday. But they to coax her to eat something. Mine lost a lot of weight too. Just try to get her to eat as much as you can.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Quote:
I agree. If I were to buy POL pullets, I would expect to pay $20-30 for a healthy hen. I wouldn't pay less honestly, because there would be a REASON for someone to sell birds so cheap...and it wouldn't be a good reason.

 

[Sweetlilbaby]

My ameraucana boy is the sweetest, most cuddly thing. He does not shut up. He's very vocal, and likes to come to the back door and crow until I open it. The silkie rooster is even worse if they are in their pen and want out.

Knowing how roosters crow when they want, I'm not sure how well keeping one in the garage would work for you.

well i spoke to my mom about it and she said No because i'd get caught. The rooster now crows so loud that him being on the other side of the 2 acre property with doors and windows shut she still hears him loud and clear. And my mom has trouble hearing. I can't keep such a loud little guy. He is a tiny bantom rooster. He attacks my dad, brother, and nephew but with me he's like a little puppy. same with my niece. He lets her hold him and cuddle him, he just hates men. Lol sounds like I'm talking about a dog.
I just want to be able to hatch from my own chickens to sell cheap (in price only) chicks up here. I know there are a lot of people wanting to have their own chickens. I enjoy hatching them. Just wish I could do it from my own I hate driving with fertile eggs in the van. Every bump i hit makes me cry a little thinking i just screwed up the hatch rate.

I really wish I lived in the country now. I so want to have 100 chickens and 2 roosters. Not for the eggs but for the enjoyment of owning chickens. I spend time with mine. I talk to them, They know their names they know "go to your pen" Yesterday one came up to me and laid an egg at my feet. It was so cool she was just like oh gunna lay an egg here have it.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Quote:
Thanks! I'll try that for sure. And I'll use the chick starter too, so it's higher protein. Maybe even a scrambled egg? Will definitely do it 2x/day too. I'm going to up the ACV in her water too, she's having diarrhea