The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Helencus on April 03, 2010, 08:05:11 pm

Title: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 03, 2010, 08:05:11 pm
Hi I can't decide if it's on day 18 you stop turning eggs or if it's after day 18 so tomorrow.????
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: harry on April 03, 2010, 08:11:02 pm
dont think it matters the chick is fully formed now.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 03, 2010, 11:03:59 pm
I checked it out on the net so I've stopped the turning and upped the humidity. I've seen one of the eggs moving slightly... Very excited but also nervous that things go well... Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 03, 2010, 11:05:26 pm
bet you'll be up all night! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: ukphil on April 04, 2010, 11:01:36 am
Good luck with the hatch,

This is a photo of my buff sussex 2 day old
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/ukphil_2006/tn_S1050677.jpg)
at 3 weeks
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/ukphil_2006/tn_S1050707.jpg)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 04, 2010, 11:58:24 am
It's so exciting lots of them are really moving now... Can't stop watching them hubby thinks I'm mad!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 04, 2010, 12:04:35 pm
Tell him it's him that's mad and we are the sane ones  ;) Hope you know how to post pictures because we can't wait to see them ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 04, 2010, 03:42:01 pm
I told him that  ;D I don't know how to post pics on here. Will try to figure it out
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 04, 2010, 04:27:06 pm
easy.  Reduce the size of your picture giving it a new name and keeping the original as it is.  Open a reply on here, look at the bottom left for 'options.  Browse for your photo and then click post.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 04, 2010, 04:54:06 pm
Thanks Annie.  ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 04, 2010, 06:53:26 pm
HI HELEN
TODAY IS THE DAY TO STOP TURNING, MIND TAKE OUT UR SEPERATORS AS WELL MIND U HAVE TO CHANGE THE WEE BIT FOAM IN THE INCUBATOR TO THE LARGER OF THE 2 PIECES THAT CAME WITH IT, ALSO CHECK UR WATER DAILY NOW AS U WILL BE USING A LOT MORE GOOD LUCK, LIKE ANNIE IM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING UR PICKS, I WILL POST MINE ON FRI/SAT TO LET U SEE HOW I GET ON AS WELL UR 2 DAYS IN FRONT OF ME :)
JOHN
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 04, 2010, 09:47:32 pm
Hi John. I didn't get any other bits of foam? I just had the black mat stuff then the yellow stuff that goes under the water drip??? I left that in mind the suro instructions are terrible so didn't know what to do I had to google to figure out how to reset temp and humidity control. They're rocking about a lot so hope i've done everything ok. Temp is 37 and humidity 67. Instructions said 37 and between 65 and 70 now so went half way. When should I see piping?
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 10:18:05 am
Still rocking about but no sign of any cracks in the eggs.. Loads of cracks in my nerves but not in shells... I am going out I can't take another day or so of this lol !
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 05, 2010, 10:32:05 am
HI HELEN
everything seems fime by what ur saying re temp/hum, they will still take their time so relax even after they pip they can take ages to hatch,mind dont get to excited or over worried if u thing one is taking to long or n trouble let them get out themselves,although i had one last time that was going great but then died in shell but what do u do? i just let them do it by themselves as i tried to help one when doing my first hatch and it died next day so its a learning curve:) good luck again
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 10:40:07 am
Thanks John. I know can do no more than I have and despite any temptation to help I'll leave alone. Some of them are rocking really vigorously others just a little shake now and again. I have to tear myself away.. I mean how sad am I it's bank holiday Monday and I have my nose pressed to the plastic window on an incubator!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: whitby_sam on April 05, 2010, 11:03:54 am
We've just taken our Maran X Warrens off the "Egg Van"... Humidity up to 70 and we've had better results at 37.8 degrees but that may just be coincidence. Hopefully we'll see some pipping later on today or early tomorrow. Hope all goes well Helen and John
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 11:11:33 am
Thanks Sam. I'm still here sat watching.. Think I see a crack in one ...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: whitby_sam on April 05, 2010, 11:16:45 am
Once one's hatched he/she'll encourage the others. Just wait til you hear a little "cheep" from inside the egg... I think that has to be the biggest suprise.
Our ducklings helped eachother out by pecking from the outside of the already pipped eggs (strangely they left the unpipped ones alone)
Happy Hatching!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 05, 2010, 01:51:39 pm
Cheers sam
will let u know how i get on nearer the end of week will post some pics, i can hardy wait might take of egg van later today as i have just been on a sight that says humidity up 17th day? so i would b half way :) helen maybe a wee bit of disco music will help ur shaking eggs lol......only kiddin mind hehehe
Oh dear what are we like.....................!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 04:22:33 pm
Lol! yeah John let's start a new thread. What music to hatch to?? Suggestions please..
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 05, 2010, 06:12:58 pm
"chirpy-chirpy-cheep-cheep" of course!
(no, I'm not old enough to remember it, just have a checquered past!!)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 06:56:17 pm
Too funny little blue.. I'm old enough to remember it. It's all gone quiet.. 1 with a crack in but no progress since. They're not rocking about so much either. Hope they're still ok
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 05, 2010, 07:03:55 pm
after our experience... keep watching closely, and be prepared to help a little if needed
good luck  x
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 07:12:05 pm
Thanks little blue. I'm sitting in the kitchen with a glass of wine watching them. Hubby is watching telly. Says I'm barmy but I can't help it...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: shetlandpaul on April 05, 2010, 09:17:29 pm
don't jump in to soon. or you end up with very weak chicks. sometimes they are not ment to hatch. the ones that struggle never seem to survive very long. dont be to keen to end the hatch there is nothing worse than finding live chicks when you are checking. but again they do tend to be very weak and imature. if you do get any that still have the sack outside then it maybe better to cull it.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 05, 2010, 09:44:06 pm
I've refrained from doing anything. I'm going to let nature do her stuff now. que sera sera... Damn frustrating waiting but I won't interfere.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Minigris on April 06, 2010, 04:36:54 am
I'm watching this topic like a hawk  ;D 

I really want to know how it ends....good I hope.
Any news yet??
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 08:04:14 am
Woke up to 1 beautiful little chick this morning, flapping around and chirping loudly. No sign from any of the others yet. Still today is day 21 so I'll leave the chick in with them today and hopefully by tonight we will have some more. 11 were fertile and moving yesterday. Will post piccies later.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 06, 2010, 08:10:13 am
Congrats helen
Now for some more, it is certainly worth the wait:)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 08:14:35 am
Thanks do i take the shell out as they hatch or leave alone? Terrified to open the incubator.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 06, 2010, 08:19:33 am
morning Helen
i always take out the shell after it has detached from chick dont worry about lifting the lid just be quick mind when the chick is born the humidity goes high as the chick is wet i dont think lifting the lid for a few seconds will do any harm im always worried the chicks will cut themselves on the broken shell? i usually move them to brooder after they have dried of for a few hours in incubator...but thats just me.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: whitby_sam on April 06, 2010, 10:33:42 am
We take ours out as soon as the chick is free. I tend to keep them in the incubator for 24 hours to properly fluff them up and also because they encourage the unhatched chicks to hurry up
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Emma on April 06, 2010, 10:51:41 am
Hi sorry i am new to this, if i was to order some eggs from someone all i have to do is put them in a incubator for 28 days and make sure they get turned regularly (the incubator i am looking to buy has an automatic rotator on it). Then once they have hatched do they still Need to be under some sort of heat??? If so when are they ready to come off the heat??? Thanks
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 06, 2010, 10:54:15 am
I think you have to keep it closed for 24 hours but I'm no expert.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: jameslindsay on April 06, 2010, 11:00:17 am
Hi sorry i am new to this, if i was to order some eggs from someone all i have to do is put them in a incubator for 28 days and make sure they get turned regularly (the incubator i am looking to buy has an automatic rotator on it). Then once they have hatched do they still Need to be under some sort of heat??? If so when are they ready to come off the heat??? Thanks

You have to have them in a brooder box with a heat lamp. Again it is vital that the heat is at the correct level oo cold or too hot can be fatal, remember do not gice access to a lot of water at the early stages either.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Sylvia on April 06, 2010, 11:48:20 am
I hope you have had success by now. Like babies being born, from first signs 'til last takes it's time!! Don't interfere unless you really have to.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 01:41:41 pm
2 more piping now. 1st one is in the brooder with the heat lamp. Seems to be doing ok, does fall asleep a lot. Guess that's normal with newborns.
I have got a drinker in there is that a problem? Why not too much water?
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: jameslindsay on April 06, 2010, 01:45:52 pm
They are shakey on their feet and fall over easily for the first while so they could fall in the water and drown. If you have a proper feeder there won't be a problem. Enjoy the experience.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 01:50:09 pm
Ahh I see. It's a proper drinker for chicks so should be ok. Chick is lying just outside of the circle of light from the lamp is it too low do you think?
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: jameslindsay on April 06, 2010, 01:51:31 pm
I think all sounds well enough, just keep an eye on him.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 01:53:51 pm
I'm sat right next to him.. Thank god for iPhones lol ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 06, 2010, 01:56:24 pm
YOU'LL BE HOPING ITS A HER LOL AL SEEMS TO BE GOING WELL:)

HELLO JAMES HOPE U R WELL:)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 01:59:57 pm
Yeah i suppose i will. Another one is piping now.. Eggciting... ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: jameslindsay on April 06, 2010, 02:01:51 pm
YOU'LL BE HOPING ITS A HER LOL AL SEEMS TO BE GOING WELL:)

HELLO JAMES HOPE U R WELL:)

I am well John, thanks. Hope you and the family are well too.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 06, 2010, 02:02:25 pm
Hi sorry i am new to this, if i was to order some eggs from someone all i have to do is put them in a incubator for 28 days and make sure they get turned regularly (the incubator i am looking to buy has an automatic rotator on it). Then once they have hatched do they still Need to be under some sort of heat??? If so when are they ready to come off the heat??? Thanks

21 days for chickens!
Give or take....
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 06, 2010, 02:02:54 pm
congratulations Helen, keep us posted!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Minigris on April 06, 2010, 03:34:40 pm
 :D congrats
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 05:04:37 pm
5 more piping. 1 nearly through... The suspense is killing me.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 06, 2010, 05:56:49 pm
this is bril everyone is on the edge of their seats.....never mind who killed archie mitchell lol, this is better :)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 06:51:09 pm
Imagine how it is for me.. Haven't moved for hours! 2 more chicks arrived and 4 still piping...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 06, 2010, 09:35:27 pm
Helen, you have just GOT to get photos on here - the suspense is killing us too!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 06, 2010, 10:15:26 pm
any more yet Helen??!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 06, 2010, 10:36:57 pm
Got 4 now with another 6 piping well. All of my light Sussex have at least piped fingers crossed they all make it  out. 1 welsummer egg no sign but I was dubious as to whether that one had died during development looks like it did. The welsummer eggs I got off eBay were rubbish the LS very good. I need to go to bed now as up at 5:30 for work but can't tear myself away. ;D
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 07, 2010, 08:08:08 am
Well after just 3 hrs sleep were the proud parents to 9 LS with number 10 still on her way out as I left for work. Was worried she'd died but she redoubled her efforts and made a nice crack so should be in incu when get home. I'm dead chuffed the hatch has done so well. Piccies when I get in from work promise Annie.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: CameronS on April 07, 2010, 08:53:02 am
Welldone  :chook:
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 07, 2010, 11:34:05 am
hurrah!  congrats to you...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: oink on April 07, 2010, 12:06:32 pm
well done Helencus,  I hope we can get as many as you.  Reading this has just increased my excitement no end so I went to check on ours and one egg is cracking!!  The suspense is killing me!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 07, 2010, 12:15:59 pm
Well rung home and number 10 has arrived. All chicks are doing well so far fingers crossed. I don't think I was this excited when I had the kids.  ;D

Good luck with yours oink keep us posted.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Padge on April 07, 2010, 05:00:42 pm
gosh     now even i can't wait to see the pics :D

have had 5 hatch ourselves today    a mixed batch we too bought off ebay along with a batch of speckled sussex which whilst all candled well so far no signs of pipping ??? was hoping for at least a few   anyhow keep playing the waiting game fingers crossed ;)

Well done Helencus
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: little blue on April 07, 2010, 05:27:02 pm
now Im all excited on your behalfs!
Our 2nd batch arrived today to set tomorrow, copper marans and light sussex.   fingers crossed for a better hatch...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 07, 2010, 05:42:07 pm
Good luck little blue. Fingers crossed for your 2nd batch
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 07, 2010, 08:24:16 pm
Sorry guys I just keep getting an error message that the upload folder is full so can't upload photos.. Sorry
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: egglady on April 07, 2010, 08:58:54 pm
welldone helencus and also good luck to little blue.  its so exciting - 8 out of 11 aylesburys have hatched from our ebay eggs so we are well chuffed too
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 07, 2010, 09:05:30 pm
I'm going to do ducks next when chicks are outside. Must be a sucker for punishment. All the stress and no sleep.. I'm in bed already posting from my iPhone!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 07, 2010, 11:05:28 pm
Sorry guys I just keep getting an error message that the upload folder is full so can't upload photos.. Sorry
Have you reduced the size of your photos? 
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 08, 2010, 07:55:51 am
I did try but they are jpegs and couldn't figure it put.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: egglady on April 08, 2010, 09:07:41 am
me either!  so if anyone can tell us both, we can bombard them with photos Helencus!
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: whitby_sam on April 08, 2010, 10:02:27 am
If you have Microsoft Office Picture manager (most people do) then open the picture with that, click "Picture", "Resize" and then select "Web Large" from the drop-down menu...
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 08, 2010, 01:13:31 pm
I did try but they are jpegs and couldn't figure it put.
All photos are jpegs or bitmaps.  You should do as Sam says.  It IS easy, honestly :-)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: ukphil on April 08, 2010, 01:25:18 pm
You can use http://www.fookes.com/ezthumbs/ to resize photos
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 08, 2010, 07:34:12 pm
Ok still at work but I'll try again later
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 09, 2010, 08:01:38 am
LOOKS LIKE NONE OF THE EGGS IN INCUBATOR ARE GOING TO HATCH -  TODAY IS DAY 21 BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO ROCK N ROLL NO WEE CHIRPS SO NOT LOOKING TO GOOD:(
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: Helencus on April 09, 2010, 06:01:53 pm
Oh no John fingers cossed you're wrong and they do !
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 10, 2010, 05:38:12 pm
DAY22 NEVER BEFORE HAVE I LEFT ON SO LONG BUT I NOW HAVE FIVE NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BUT THATS THAT THERE IS ONE STILL TRYING BUT NOT LOOKING GOOD I WILL POST PICS TOMMOROW, THIS WAS DEFINETLY MY WORST ATTEMPT:( BUT HAPPY I GOT SOME.:)
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 10, 2010, 05:43:26 pm
Just as well you left them another day, Jock! ;) ;D ;D  I'll be round to see them in a few days
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 11, 2010, 07:39:48 pm
I look forward to seeing u annie,i tried to post pics but it says upload folder is full?
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: QWOLF on April 11, 2010, 07:46:51 pm
there just changed my profile pics to show u chicks.
Title: Re: Day 18 do I stop turning tonight?
Post by: doganjo on April 11, 2010, 10:17:46 pm
Good grief, Jock, I can't see that even with my reading glasses and a magnifying glass!  Your photo is possibly too big. Try to reduce the size - but NOT as small as an avatar! lol ;) ;D ;D