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Which is safer - incubator or hen?

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by callieisspooky, Aug 27, 2013.

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  1. Aug 27, 2013 #1
    callieisspooky

    callieisspooky Songster

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    If you had six eggs or fewer to hatch, would you incubate them or put them under a broody if you had both options? Trying to decide which will give the eggs a better chance. They are on day 17.
     
  2. Aug 27, 2013 #2
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Crowing 5 Years

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    I'd keep them in an incubator. In an incubator, you can keep the humidity and temperature at the proper levels. With a hen, you would run the risk of her leaving the eggs, attacking the chicks when they hatch, or destroying the eggs. This isn't to say that a mother hen isn't a good mother, but an incubator allows you to control more variables.
     
  3. Aug 27, 2013 #3
    gimmie birdies

    gimmie birdies Crowing 5 Years

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    Momma hens don't worry if a chick is not hatching fast enough and decide to "help" the chick hatch. so, 6 in one hand, 1/2 dozen in the other.[​IMG]
     

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