What are you adding to your flock this year?

[BreeShu]

Nice! Marans are actually one of the breeds I'm hoping to get next year. TBH I didn't intend to hatch any chickens this year but when the incubator arrived I got so excited I decided to do two rounds haha. I only have a medium sized incubator that fits 24 chicken/40 quail eggs, I like having the larger amount of space for the early ones to run around and dry off while everyone else finishes so I don't think I'll get a smaller one unless I need to hatch two species at the same time.

I was considering investing in a smaller incubator just for that, having two groups going at once. I'm terrible at keeping track of who came out of what egg once the chaos starts.

 

[BreeShu]

Let's see, frome Cackle I'm getting a few that are new.

5 Chamois Spangled Apenzeller Spitzhaubens

5 Gold Spangled Apenzeller Spitzhaubens

5 English Orpingtons Silver Laced

5 Black Ameraucanas

5 Lavender Ameraucanas

If I have room from TSC 4 - 6 bantams, maybe if the have them 3 blue breasted brown leghorns and maybe 3 buff brahmas. If they dont have them at th he same time at TSC when I'm ready I'll go with Seabreez hens. Two blue breasted brown leghorns, two silver spangled Apenzeller Spitzhaubens, two blue laced barnfielder(sp) and two blue partridge brahmas.

I only just learned about Spitzhaubens while browsing Greenfire Farm's website. They are definitely on my want list.

 

[froggyphore]

I was considering investing in a smaller incubator just for that, having two groups going at once. I'm terrible at keeping track of who came out of what egg once the chaos starts.

I was thinking about that, it's especially hard when they hatch over night and roll everything around. I'd like to keep the egg colors separate so I know who has what genes. I was thinking of making a mesh insert so they each stay on one half.

 

[BreeShu]

I was thinking about that, it's especially hard when they hatch over night and roll everything around. I'd like to keep the egg colors separate so I know who has what genes. I was thinking of making a mesh insert so they each stay on one half.

I tried creating dividers with the last batch. It ended up making micro climates. Also two managed to get over the walls and mix in with the others.

 

[St_Gall]

So we have mostly Australorps and Mystic Marans, so our main thought is to diversify some. Everyone that isn't black has a name, but 22 of them are extremely hard to distinguish.

 

[BreeShu]

So we have mostly Australorps and Mystic Marans, so our main thought is to diversify some. Everyone that isn't black has a name, but 22 of them are extremely hard to distinguish.

I never thought I'd actually name any of the chickens when I first started. I have enough of a variety that they can pretty well be distinguished, but only the ones that consistently get under my toes or on my nerves have earned one.

 

[Percheron chick]

So we have mostly Australorps and Mystic Marans, so our main thought is to diversify some. Everyone that isn't black has a name, but 22 of them are extremely hard to distinguish.

I made this same mistake. I'm hoping that when they are ready to be sold, I can tell the difference. Won't do that again.

 

[Iluveggers]

We are the neighborhood/family chick raisers! We are getting 19 chicks of a bunch of breeds. Will keep 5 or 6, 5 or 6 to a family member, & the rest to a neighbor. My son & I will keep the friendliest. They don’t care what breeds they get. Works out well for everyone as we love the babies and everyone else is spared the careful raising with heat.

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

I am planning on getting Jersey Giants, Rainbow Dixie’s, some super adorable chicks from the local TSC store, and of course the Barnyard Miscellaneous chicks I’ll hatch day before Easter Sunday !

Should I post pictures of the chicks after they hatch?

 

[Iluveggers]

Should I post pictures of the chicks after they hatch?

That’s an obvious yes.