Egg Hatching

[Mini Horses]

Most of "my" eggs are pipping. The dz I bought, not as much -- although the one out & one almost out at from bought dz, as we're the 2 non fertiles. Weren't shipped but from the auction. Next "project will be pen the full cream legbars for pure eggs & collect from pure BOs penned when they lay. Just a "fun" project now -- kinda like "fun" goats started

 

[The Porch]

Most of "my" eggs are pipping. The dz I bought, not as much -- although the one out & one almost out at from bought dz, as we're the 2 non fertiles. Weren't shipped but from the auction. Next "project will be pen the full cream legbars for pure eggs & collect from pure BOs penned when they lay. Just a "fun" project now -- kinda like "fun" goats started

 

[The Porch]

Lunch Time:: except the Nanny
No big hens aloud

 

[frustratedearthmother]

@Mini Horses

It is fun (and maybe a little addicting) lol!

 

[Mini Horses]

Hatching going pretty good not 24 hr yet since first broke out. Have 6 standing & 4 more almost out. The don't care for the bright light. Need to see how many more have just begun break out tho.

Exciting. They're noisy, banging around. I want to remove them & the shells but holding back until tomorrow. Takes willpower to wait.

 

[Mini Horses]

I believe, suspiciously, my lavender Orp is trying to go broody. why not 3 weeks ago???? Before the 'bator.

Noticed her all fluffed up as I tossed some scraps to the group. Thought maybe a tiff with another hen. Next day saw her rushing, fluffed again. Began looking for a hidden nest. None found. She was calm later in day. Tonight, I go to get eggs and she's sitting where momma hen & chicks have been overnighting....4 eggs under & she fluffed and pecked at me when I retrieved them. Oh, my. More decisions.

I love a good broody. I'll wait & see what happens.

 

[The Porch]

I believe, suspiciously, my lavender Orp is trying to go broody. why not 3 weeks ago???? Before the 'bator.

Noticed her all fluffed up as I tossed some scraps to the group. Thought maybe a tiff with another hen. Next day saw her rushing, fluffed again. Began looking for a hidden nest. None found. She was calm later in day. Tonight, I go to get eggs and she's sitting where momma hen & chicks have been overnighting....4 eggs under & she fluffed and pecked at me when I retrieved them. Oh, my. More decisions.

I love a good broody. I'll wait & see what happens.

Maybe she will want to nanny the chicks

 

[flowerbug]

Maybe she will want to nanny the chicks

boss lady...

 

[Mini Horses]

@flowerbug Most hens are not happy to take in unknown chicks. Silkies being exceptions! So while she's acting somewhat broodyish, you can't bank on it! Plus night time is the most opportunistic for adding chicks. I can't see that she's "setting" a nest anywhere stable. So while that would be super great to be a nanny happen, probably won't. I'd sure try if she was already nest bound.

So the incubator hatch is pretty dismal. The dz eggs I bought had 9 duds. Of 3 hatched, one died. The others I added from own hens...8 hatched plus 2 had to help this morn. One of those might not make it. A couple more pipped but didn't get out.

Tomorrow will tell me more. Looks like 8-10 will be final tally. Which is ok, even with the losses, it's enough chicks! Still have 4 outside with momma hen plus 4 half grow pullets bought.... Overall I will add 10-12 hens to flock -- depending on who crows as they grow . That's more than enough, as I still have adult hens in the flock.