The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: jameslindsay on May 14, 2010, 10:30:47 pm
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For the first time I am going to try and hatch some of my hens eggs in the incubator. Put 6 in this morning, have only ever hatched ducks and geese so looking forward to this new experience, fingers crossed its not all cockerels!
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For the first time I am going to try and hatch some of my hens eggs in the incubator. Put 6 in this morning, have only ever hatched ducks and geese so looking forward to this new experience, fingers crossed its not all cockerels!
That's why I don't do it - don't know how I'd get rid of them as I couldn't kill them. Hope you get a good hatching and ALL giirls!!!
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I would find homes for any boys, couldn't kill them either. For god sake I have Charlie who is a vicious as can be and I keep him. ::) ???
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if you can't kill the spare cocks then buy in day old sexed chicks. you will end up with 50% males overall. and its not that easy to get rid of spare cockerals. its the most humane way really to many cockerals will hurt your girls.
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Had a look at the eggs again last night and all 6 are developing and should hatch on Friday.
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You won't get a thing done on Friday - as soon as one starts pipping, that will be it, all other chores, no matter how important, will be discarded and you will spend all day in front of the incubator, moving only for loo breaks and to grab the easiest thing to eat that doesn't need any cooking!!
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You won't get a thing done on Friday - as soon as one starts pipping, that will be it, all other chores, no matter how important, will be discarded and you will spend all day in front of the incubator, moving only for loo breaks and to grab the easiest thing to eat that doesn't need any cooking!!
I can just imagine this James
"Sorry pal, but ma eggs are hatching, you gonnae have ti wait on yer steak pie!" :D :D
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(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Animals/animals-35.gif)
;)
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These 6 eggs are due to hatch tomorrow. When I candelled them this morning I thought there was no way they wpuld hatch but low and behold one has started pipping tonight! I hope it's not just 1 I get.
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I have found that I get one early hatching, and then after a while (not on the same day necessarily) the other come in quick succession.
If they don't all hatch tomorrow don't switch of incubator for at least two days, they take their time!
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Now have 1 hatched and another 2 on their way. No sign of anything from the other 3 eggs.
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Hang on in there - my first hatched at 11am on Monday morning, the last at 3pm on Tuesday afternoon!
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ours were wednesday lunchtime to friday evening, and there were only 7 in total
..... hope all goes well James!
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Proud parents again!!! We are busy building a big pond for Lilly and Charlie as we want another two ladies due to over amerouse Charlie!!!!
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I now have 3 hatched and no signs of any more.
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and here they are.
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lovely!
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So sweet!
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They are now 2 weeks old and I have 1 cockerel and 2 girls - I think. They are doing well and enjoying this good weather which lets them get outside all day.
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Just watch for crows, if they have no netting or similar to protect them.
I have crows going into the henhouse at the moment and taking eggs out (well cracking them eating the yolk and leaving a mess behind!) And the fly in when they hear the hen announcing her egg to the world (and the crows included!)... Just can't shoot them, as other livestock/boundary is too near...
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Just watch for crows, if they have no netting or similar to protect them.
I have crows going into the henhouse at the moment and taking eggs out (well cracking them eating the yolk and leaving a mess behind!) And the fly in when they hear the hen announcing her egg to the world (and the crows included!)... Just can't shoot them, as other livestock/boundary is too near...
Thanks Anke, they are in a purpose built run for them which is fully covered and therefore keeps them safe. The bleedin crows do sit on the gate posts and watch from time to time. I love watching these 3 scratching about the place.
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Great to hear your wee chicks are doing well, we have a new broody so just deciding whether to get her some eggs or not. David fancies going for it with some black minorca eggs and appenzeller eggs may just have to give in and give her some eggs. :)
Hope your flock are enjoying your new layers pellets.
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Thanks Moira, it was good to meet you all the other day. The new pellets should be started tomorrow and I am sure they will enjoy. Good luck with the broody.
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Took these before bed time last night, they are 6 weeks old and now spending day and nights with the grown ups.
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They've come on well from the last time i was along James ;D
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I think all animals just grow so fast.
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Aye, you're so right James, you should see my 9 week Orps
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How are they doing? Lilly and Charlie have a big new pond, 12ft x 6ft and t hey love it...there is a sump bit that is deep and they dive under and swim the lengh...so sweet!!!!
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/gameon014-1.jpg[/img]](http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu232/pryde/gameon014-1.jpg) (http://[IMG)
Looks a bit better now, we just need to cement the slabs all around and put the gravel back, I have planted 2 trees, one plumb and one Hazelnut!!!
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Looks great :)