Why do you incubate

[kardar2]

Hello,
growing up on the farm in Kansas back in the 70's we ordered chicks. Since then I have not been around chicken except eating them LOL. So I been into backyard chickens a year now and bought 9 more chick this spring. My house is full and and I have 20 birds. So I was reading so post about incubating. Got me wondering why you do it. I know it is I guess it is a hobby to some of you. It would be easier to order chicks but more expensive (?) So if I spent the money for a incubator (a lot a money up front) but could find local people with eggs. But the chances of getting a a roosters is 50/50 (?) I have people I could give the chicks and rosters to. But Not sure if I should get into it or not. So is it a hobby for you people? Do sell the chicks? It will be a while before I do it (if I do it). Just looking into it

 

[kuchchicks]

Kind of both. I love watching them hatch. I keep a few but sell the rest. I grew up in LA and had no desire to have chickens. My husband pushed to get them and now im addicted...im into them now more than he is! Lol!

 

[kardar2]

The wife said why we have 20! LOL but then she said she thinks it be fun LOL.

 

[fire370]

I grew up with chickens as well. I incubate my own as well as incubate for other people. I run a big cabinet incubator as well as several smaller ones. I also will order some eggs from time to time when I'm looking for something in particular. Where in Ks are you? I'm SW of Wichita.

Got a bunch of Banty's cooking now as well as blue orp's, sex links and EE'ers. Lots of chicks will be for sale in about 10 days. Got some pheasants in the cabinet too.

 

[kardar2]

I grew up with chickens as well. I incubate my own as well as incubate for other people. I run a big cabinet incubator as well as several smaller ones. I also will order some eggs from time to time when I'm looking for something in particular. Where in Ks are you? I'm SW of Wichita.

Got a bunch of Banty's cooking now as well as blue orp's, sex links and EE'ers. Lots of chicks will be for sale in about 10 days. Got some pheasants in the cabinet too.

I grew up half way between Florence and Strong city on Highway 50. My sister lives in Mulvane. I live out here in Shasta lake CA. Now

 

[kardar2]

On average of 25 eggs how many will hatch

 

[fire370]

That's cool. Been up through your stomping many a time. I live 9miles straight East of Mulvane.

 

[fire370]

On average of 25 eggs how many will hatch

There are so many variables in this.

 

[dekel18042]

On average of 25 eggs how many will hatch

Anywhere for 0 to 25. Lots of variables. Whose eggs? Where did they come from? Were they shipped? What kind of incubator? What is the fertility like? I've had everything from 10 of 10 of my own eggs hatch to zero in a dozen shipped eggs. (have a feeling those eggs were not fertile. ) And everything in between. Over all only about 2% to 3% of my own eggs don't hatch.

 

[kardar2]

There are so many variables in this.

hmm okay I read in some old post that not all the the eggs hatch.