How To Incubate And Hatch Baby Chickens

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  • Опубліковано 31 гру 2024

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  • @lincoln5310
    @lincoln5310 3 роки тому +19

    It's 3:17 am and mine are hatching!🤗

    • @lincoln5310
      @lincoln5310 3 роки тому +5

      I got 8 so far from 3 dozens.🤗

    • @lisalo121
      @lisalo121 7 місяців тому

      3:17

  • @AliciaWagner-d9z
    @AliciaWagner-d9z 9 місяців тому +1

    I showed your video to my class they were intrigued! WE are going to get our eggs tomorrow for incubation. Thanks for the INFO!

  • @HTrntrs
    @HTrntrs 2 місяці тому

    Dude u're a legend, busting all the myths.

  • @daisytaylor1610
    @daisytaylor1610 3 роки тому +9

    Thank you for the tip on the infrared heater bulb. I'm going to try it out!

  • @funnyfarmdad9997
    @funnyfarmdad9997 4 роки тому +29

    WOW! This video was right on time. I got my incubator in the mail today.

    • @JulieMikalson
      @JulieMikalson 3 роки тому +1

      If you get Shipped eggs - be sure to search and read several Breeder instructions - to raise hatch rates....above 0-55 percent!

  • @swswithallms1747
    @swswithallms1747 Рік тому +1

    Excellent content and commentary. Your voice is so calming and you do a great job of covering the steps to incubation process. The addition of equipment tips is so helpful. I feel confident I can move forward on hatching 🐣 my first batch of Rhode Island Blues. Thank you

  • @AKAHeatherJoy
    @AKAHeatherJoy 3 роки тому +10

    Great information! We have a bunch of eggs in the incubator that will be hatching in a week and this is the first time we have done this. We purchased all of our first flock already hatched. I am grateful to learn about the infrared ceramic heaters! Thanks for all the tips!

  • @litahsr.8226
    @litahsr.8226 4 роки тому +20

    Hey give us some weekly updates so we can see it till its all grown up thanks

  • @michaeldonovan6076
    @michaeldonovan6076 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for the educational tore i will look in on future tutorials I've just started the process for my flock.

  • @3dentertainment301
    @3dentertainment301 Рік тому

    Good lord, finally. BEST video I have found. Thank goodness, and thank you sir

  • @lrmsmrls16
    @lrmsmrls16 11 місяців тому

    Good advice. It is hard to watch a chick struggle, but it's the right advice.

  • @michaeldonovan6076
    @michaeldonovan6076 2 місяці тому +1

    Have read a lot on incubation and pipping,,i totally agree don't help them i no it goes against our heart strings but they must go through the hatching process its nature.

  • @lisagilmore4519
    @lisagilmore4519 4 роки тому +2

    Good video..I have a hen that went broody this week. Gave her 5 eggs and let her hatch them out. Our flock is just for eggs so I don’t do many. Have a good day.

    • @TMesser74
      @TMesser74 2 роки тому

      We have little bantams that went broody. Two girls that co parent lol. They’ve hatched 3 so far.

  • @susieiacuessa4538
    @susieiacuessa4538 4 роки тому +2

    Good video I’m just starting out . , it very helpful ! I’ve got 41 eggs in my incubator and on day 15 ! Thank you !

    • @Buslady2007
      @Buslady2007 4 роки тому

      And in Cornwall UK, I am on Day 3 with 24 eggs. VG video, thank you.

  • @MeMe-ur9mn
    @MeMe-ur9mn Рік тому

    I grew up doing this... Definitely like seeing how others do it. Awesome Video Thank you!

  • @barbarafelcan8012
    @barbarafelcan8012 3 роки тому +1

    Have helped a lot of chickens out and nothing wrong with them . If they pip and not out and beak not moved in 5-6 hours I go in and slowly help them out see any red stop and let them rest couple hours start again .. Most time Maran eggs thick shelled and you have to get chicks out or they will die. Nothing wrong live happy healthy lives.
    Great information, like the light bulb .

  • @johncspine2787
    @johncspine2787 4 роки тому +3

    You can pop that thermometer out and adjust it, I believe. I have the slightly newer version of the same incubator you have. Yeah, my turner came with it and the window is one big window. I always wondered how they hatched on the same day when hens lay every 26 hours..it’s amazing the eggs can sit three weeks before incubating! I’ve read a lot about this..you can sanitize the eggs right before you put them in the incubator..dip in a 100 degree solution of correct egg sanitizer for 1-3 minutes, then let air dry, don’t scrub. The higher temp solution is so the air won’t get sucked into the egg introducing bacteria. Cooler egg, warmer solution. Sanitized eggs can have higher hatch rates. No heat lamps! Use the flat brooder heating plates from places like Rent A Coop! Heat lamps cause fires and introduce too much light. If they peck, darken the brooder, introduce some greens and then roosts and other stuff while separating any with wounds.

  • @erikruiz5004
    @erikruiz5004 3 роки тому +1

    best video ive seen so far thank you

  • @Mackenzie-smith345
    @Mackenzie-smith345 2 роки тому

    You just make it so easy I am getting chicks I now know every thing cause of you

  • @Cogzed
    @Cogzed 4 роки тому +6

    Great video bro. I got my first chicks coming by mail mid July. Thanks for the info.

    • @JulieMikalson
      @JulieMikalson 3 роки тому

      @I'm preryygf6 There are some great Hatcheries around the country. Try to find one in your area, and consider sharing the Order with a friend to split Shipping costs and get more chicks per $. Meyer, Murray McMurry, Ideal, Cackle are among largest, with huge selection and assortment deals. Smaller local NPIP sources would be better - you may be able to pick them up without shipping. Your state Ag service will have a list.

  • @AlsHomestead
    @AlsHomestead 4 роки тому +4

    Thanks for making this video! I have 13 eggs in a little incubator right now they are on day 7.

    • @JulieMikalson
      @JulieMikalson 3 роки тому +1

      I'm babysitting eggs now with 6 pips this morning! So exciting!

  • @onemanband1349
    @onemanband1349 4 роки тому +15

    Great info! Always was curious about this process. We just get our baby chicks from tractor supply but once we have a rooster this will be the new process 👌 thank you!

    • @znuke3608
      @znuke3608 3 роки тому

      Hope it’s doing great 👍

    • @sarahstevens3275
      @sarahstevens3275 2 роки тому

      How long do you need the chicks to be in the incubator when they are hacked

    • @asherolsonawski7294
      @asherolsonawski7294 2 роки тому

      @@sarahstevens3275 about 12 hours

  • @HeritageHatchery
    @HeritageHatchery 4 роки тому +5

    It is an amazing process that's for sure

  • @johnnybear111
    @johnnybear111 Рік тому

    great video, i should be all set up to do this by the end of the week!

  • @owensadventures8941
    @owensadventures8941 Рік тому

    Ty so much for this video man! Day 19 is tomorrow for us and I was trying to find out how they would run around on that egg turner lol😂. U answered that completely. Ty so much! Great video

  • @howdyeveryone5044
    @howdyeveryone5044 3 роки тому

    FINALLY!!! Thank you for this detail!! 6silkie eggs coming in mail soon and trying to prepare. So excited!!!! Learning

  • @marknaglreiter9330
    @marknaglreiter9330 Рік тому

    An excellent no BS vudeo, thanks.

  • @bradklein9575
    @bradklein9575 2 роки тому

    Great job on how it all works. I am just start up my incubator in few days .

  • @raincoast9010
    @raincoast9010 4 роки тому +7

    I know that Rome wasn't built in a day but have you thought about building a few different paddocks for the chickens and rotating them through to let the grass grow back?

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  4 роки тому +5

      Yes, and also they will free range around many days in the yard also

  • @heavenstrulove
    @heavenstrulove 3 роки тому +2

    How often should I candle the eggs? Do you have a video that helps me see what they look like at different stages?

  • @Lisa54321
    @Lisa54321 Рік тому

    Great informative video. Thank you! 🥚🐣🐥🥚🐣🐥🥚🐣🐥🥚🐣🐥🥚🐣🐥

  • @texasroyalty1566
    @texasroyalty1566 2 роки тому

    Thanks so much for this video new to having baby chickens so this video was very helpful

  • @ameliaorris8804
    @ameliaorris8804 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the tip .o have eggscin my incubator. Now I'm more educated on the process

  • @missmud2053
    @missmud2053 3 роки тому +1

    What is the humidity best at for hatching and incubation

  • @dianne2446
    @dianne2446 2 роки тому +1

    Great video! You mentioned that you had two batches of eggs in the incubator. How did you control the humidity and do you keep it at the same temperature of the ones that hatch first? Thanks.

  • @hotpocket5265
    @hotpocket5265 3 роки тому +1

    Wait every egg I've helped out has-been successful and out lived my last hens. Helping egg can be great too if you stick with it.

  • @santpatrick13
    @santpatrick13 Рік тому

    Thank you so much. I'm just about to attempt my first batch.
    When the new chick's go.outside do you have to house them.on their own away from the adult chickens?
    Once again, many thanks, live your content so informative

  • @mosaicfarm2389
    @mosaicfarm2389 4 роки тому +1

    Great video! We have never had trouble with chicks downing in the water... That said we also raise quail and switched to using the quail water base for the first couple weeks this year and the chicks seem to stay dryer. We also use a 22 watt heating plate instead of a bulb when we can since it saves so much $ on electricity.

  • @estherwolf4354
    @estherwolf4354 Рік тому

    Thank you for the video, I think the ceramic light is a great Idea, I roasted a goose chicken once in an aquarium Just got too hot and died I felt so bad.

  • @davekeeping2814
    @davekeeping2814 4 роки тому +5

    Today I had one hatch out then die so your right nature takes it way with the weak ones

    • @JulieMikalson
      @JulieMikalson 3 роки тому

      Yes, and fewer will be weak when we do what we can...with prep rest, sanitizing hands and equipment, even Temp, proper Humidity for developmental stage, gentle turning OR tipping, removing duds, keeping lids/doors closed, strong healthy and fertile parents from a farm with biosecurity measures, and good bloodlines. Kids and pets need to stay away unless educated/closely supervised.

  • @Sewpot
    @Sewpot 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the info, it gives a little more confidence to go ahead.👍

  • @ChickenTour
    @ChickenTour 4 роки тому +3

    Nice, very informative !!!

  • @gingerreid8569
    @gingerreid8569 4 роки тому

    We bought a small incubator off Amazon...we are only getting about 4 eggs a day from our hens...had 4 on day 1 and collected 1 more on day 2 and marked...has an egg turner and we add water every 2'nd day...wonder if you candle your eggs or just take pot luck? We have raised cornish x chicks and were told to add about a tsp of ACV to the water container to help with pasty butt...it worked great for us...we have never hatched eggs, so your video is great!

  • @vamountainman2512
    @vamountainman2512 2 роки тому

    never thought about checking watts or anything, just bought a typical heat light and housing from tractor supply. I have to keep mine on a pulley about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 FEET above the brooder depending on temperature or it would certainly cook the little guys. If I placed my housing anywhere near as low as yours, it would guarantee a fire. I more often see setups more similar to yours and it leaves me scratching my head.😅

  • @deniseerskine858
    @deniseerskine858 4 роки тому +3

    What do you keep your humidity at.

    • @marcusm4271
      @marcusm4271 3 роки тому +1

      Yes I would appreciate to know that

  • @margaret4385
    @margaret4385 4 роки тому +1

    this is really helpful, thanks!

  • @jeffreyburnett3639
    @jeffreyburnett3639 4 роки тому +2

    What's the humidity supost to be

  • @tan2230
    @tan2230 4 роки тому

    Great info and much appreciated! Can't believe someone gave you a 👎. Well, I guess one hater will keep us all humble...lol. Always look forward to your videos. Maple syrup videos were "sweet"! Take care and congrats on everything.

  • @neildriedger637
    @neildriedger637 4 роки тому

    GREAT video,loved it Todd!!LOVE hatching out baby chick's!!

  • @larrylewis3573
    @larrylewis3573 4 роки тому +2

    Dear Family Dad, I really enjoy your sustainable living videos. I am very appreciative that you are taking us along as you sustain your family by raising chickens for eggs and meat. This is a timely topic given the time we are now going through. My purpose in writing you is to ask a few questions I hope you will address with your chickens as the season unfolds. Recently, you hatched out two settings of twenty eggs each three days apart. How many hatched from each hatch? Do you put all the chicks from the two hatches together in your one small brooder? When you move them to a bigger location please show us the size and structure of this location. How long do you keep the chicks in this location? At what point do you move them outside? When you move them outside are they kept separate from your main flock which continues to supply your family with eggs? Please go over for us the transition from the old flock to the new flock. Once the young chickens get to a certain level of maturity please let us know how many are pullets and how many cockerels. Also, please let us know when you process the young roosters. I notice you have a breeding rooster from the outside. Please tell us why this is necessary and how to obtain a breeding rooster. Do you plan to hatch out more chicks this year? If so, why and when? In one of your videos you stated that you had one Buff Orpington hen because they are good setters. Have you hatched any chicks under this hen ? If so,how did this work out? Thank you for the time and sacrifice you put into these videos. You do a great and worthwhile job in the vineyard of the Lord. Sincerely In Christ Jesus, Larry C. Lewis, London Ontario, Canada

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  4 роки тому +1

      Hey Larry, lots of great questions here. Not sure I can answer them all in a comment but I will take you along in future videos for the process. We will take these out to our barn coop when th temps are warm enough. I will keep them inside for 2-3 weeks and yes all that hatch from this batch go together as they are only a few days apart.

  • @Rachelatday2dayjoys
    @Rachelatday2dayjoys 3 роки тому +2

    This is super cool! We’re starting this process next week! 🥚❤️🐓

  • @davidconrady3249
    @davidconrady3249 Рік тому

    Great video but what kind of incubator are you using?

  • @ynuleon4485
    @ynuleon4485 3 роки тому

    this video is so helpful

  • @lisagarcia6660
    @lisagarcia6660 2 роки тому

    Hi my first time having chickens an one of hen layed 17 eggs an one just had hatched today an I did leave home in the incubator for couple of house an I put him in his new home now my daughter told me he is she is shaking I don’t know if it cool or worm like I do have the red heating light on but I think I should cover a little an see

  • @simangadlamini5073
    @simangadlamini5073 Рік тому

    Thanks for the video

  • @GunterHomestead
    @GunterHomestead 4 роки тому +1

    Great video. Very informative. I like your alternative heat lamp. I will have to remember that one.

  • @harleyjackson4208
    @harleyjackson4208 3 роки тому +1

    Super helpful video

  • @jerrysalgat3406
    @jerrysalgat3406 4 роки тому +1

    Great job. I do mine about the same way. Always have had good results.

  • @getitright5863
    @getitright5863 4 роки тому +1

    Please can you tell me the range for humidity?

  • @roberthodge7802
    @roberthodge7802 3 роки тому

    Excellent presentation! A bakers dozen of useful information. Thanks!

  • @michaeldonovan6076
    @michaeldonovan6076 2 місяці тому

    yes i had reservations on the red infrared heater but i will now get a new one which is just heat,,

  • @livinoutdoors2065
    @livinoutdoors2065 3 роки тому +1

    Hey I got a few questions about egg hatching. This is my first year doing it and I dont have much experiance. The eggs are at day 23 and none have hatched or pipped. In the beginning from day 1-18 we kept the rotator on and the humidity at 45 to 55, and the temperature from 37 to 38 degrees c. We took the rotator out at day 18. We heard some chirping as we were taking it out. We havent heard any since then. And none have pipped. At day 18 we also changed the humidity to 65 to 75 as we reached and stopped rotation. We havent had any hatch and I opened up 3 today to see what happened. (We had 23 eggs) 2 of the 3 were basically full grown (by the look of them and I guessed that's what they'd look like) they had some small furry feathers but just didnt look alive. I put the rest back into the Incubator. I was wondering if you could tell me if I did anything wrong and give me some tips. Thanks

    • @oxin1099
      @oxin1099 2 роки тому

      did any of them hatch?

  • @deanstoner432
    @deanstoner432 2 роки тому

    Great video. Have just taken the leap and put 12 duck eggs in the incubator for the first time. I have bought a heated brooder. Would this be sufficient source of heat or do you think I would need a lamp too?

  • @scottwadsworth5889
    @scottwadsworth5889 Рік тому

    So excited! I bought our grandkids an incubator for Christmas and I am on my way to pick up fertilized eggs right now! Thank you so much much! How long do you leave them in the incubator after they hatch?

    • @heatherk8931
      @heatherk8931 Рік тому

      Suggested 2 days. They have absorbed the yolk to keep them fed.

  • @teamjar9051
    @teamjar9051 3 роки тому +1

    Great video thanks ! One question I do have is how long do you wait from hatching to removing them from incubator ?

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  3 роки тому +4

      It depends but as soon as they move around a bit and are completely detached from any egg shell I will grab them out

    • @teamjar9051
      @teamjar9051 3 роки тому

      @@SSLFamilyDad Thanks !

  • @ambryacres
    @ambryacres 4 роки тому

    I’m looking for a better thermometer for inside an incubator, any suggestions? We have had a difficult time maintaining the humidity. Thanks

  • @rosamiguel6144
    @rosamiguel6144 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the info..really liked the video right on point..😁👌🖒

  • @leonannegers7874
    @leonannegers7874 4 роки тому

    Question how did you start your flock did you order from Murray Hatchery and my grandfather told me a long time ago to put marbles in the water it gives them something to Peck at the marbles that have the little specks on the inside.

  • @Dragon-ex3tz
    @Dragon-ex3tz 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for the information but should I turn them three or five times because the Internet keeps on saying three and five and the humidity should be 55 to 60 or less thank you❤

  • @aminaschmiat6476
    @aminaschmiat6476 Рік тому

    I've got my eggs on 37.4 degrees is that enough to hatch chick's out & we had a blackout does that kill the babies & how long can the power be off to kill them

  • @FarmallFanatic
    @FarmallFanatic 4 роки тому +1

    Hatching Saturday 👍

  • @annmartinez4796
    @annmartinez4796 Рік тому

    Can I use a Tupperware container as a brooder?

  • @bingopeeps3207
    @bingopeeps3207 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much! Now I can get a pet chicken from a grocery store egg

  • @lonniepruitt5487
    @lonniepruitt5487 2 роки тому

    I bought same heat bulb..👍

  • @karazieglertheartcollectiv3826
    @karazieglertheartcollectiv3826 4 роки тому +2

    Such a great informative video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Life is great 👍

  • @rebeccapem5550
    @rebeccapem5550 4 роки тому +2

    I see you have one light Brahma, which is what we are currently raising.
    Is there a reason you didn't mention them?

    • @TMesser74
      @TMesser74 2 роки тому

      I noticed that girl too

  • @shockerthreeone
    @shockerthreeone 4 роки тому

    Thanks!

  • @sonigram5882
    @sonigram5882 3 роки тому

    I very much appreciate your information, have already ordered the light bulb you use. We live in Arizona where the temps get down to the 50s at night this time of year. Can I put the chick's outside on the patio, in their box with their light at night? Also, when should I place the babies in with the big girls and rooster?

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  3 роки тому

      If the lows are 50 that should be fine outside with a heat lamp. Give them a month or 2 before you mix them with an established adult flock

  • @kimholland9728
    @kimholland9728 2 роки тому

    Can you tell me the exact incubator and egg turner also the heat bulb, feeder and water bottle, where was it purchased I would like to purchase the same. Thank you so much for your help the video was very helpful

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  2 роки тому

      Incubator with automatic turner- amzn.to/2VwkHpW
      Upgraded plastic incubator with automatic turner- amzn.to/3cnIX4o
      Infrared heat emitter bulb - amzn.to/2XJh56N
      Mason jar water base - amzn.to/2VGnHjR
      Small plastic feeder - amzn.to/2xFee47
      Heat lamp guard with clamp - amzn.to/3agfIzi

  • @JhunDumsTVXj
    @JhunDumsTVXj Рік тому

    Wow amazing

  • @fresh6993
    @fresh6993 3 роки тому

    Nice video. Thanks

  • @mountainviewturning5319
    @mountainviewturning5319 4 роки тому +1

    Great tips

  • @rickysosa1602
    @rickysosa1602 4 роки тому +1

    If we got a double yolk egg will their be two baby chicks in their if they are incubated.

  • @dionnepinckney5268
    @dionnepinckney5268 Рік тому

    I have just started incubating. I have got chicks and ducks together. The chicks have been in the incubator about 3 to 4 days before the ducks. What do I do when it’s time to shut down for lockdown. Do I just leave the duck eggs in there till the chickens are done hatching and then turn it back on? Thank you.

  • @johnvernon6328
    @johnvernon6328 3 роки тому

    just got 6 eggs today, how long before i can put in the incubater? we had to give away our black polish (very nasty rooster) but would like to see if he had any kids?

  • @cloud6862
    @cloud6862 3 роки тому

    great video how cute

  • @ronallens6204
    @ronallens6204 4 роки тому

    Never heard of the ceramic lamp. Will have to look that one up. Ur process never worked for me so I would put them in a temp controlled browser with the food, water, minerals and probiotics mixed together for the first 2 weeks. Then move them to a larger broader with water and food separate. I prefer a quail waterer as there is always a couple who want to take a swim and they don't put so much sawdust in the water. A couple weeks later I change over to chicken nipples. Once they are a couple months old I take them off of the minerals and put them in their own pen. I don't lose so many that way.. as for the Hatcher, I had to modify mine by putting a temp control from Ebay on it. The dial flaked out and would either let the eggs go cold or made hard boiled eggs. Always use another thermometer to make sure like you do.

  • @neilahouchens-cone844
    @neilahouchens-cone844 3 роки тому

    Thanks!!!

  • @taylorrussell2812
    @taylorrussell2812 4 роки тому +5

    Been following for quite some time when I originally was looking into chickens some time ago. Loved your coop builds and ideas for the chickens and finally starting to consider hatching out some of my own.
    Love the chicken content and thankful it gave me the push to take the plunge. I truly recommend chickens to everyone who are able to keep them.

  • @missflite74
    @missflite74 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much for posting this video! It's great to see and better understand the process of raising baby chicks. One question: Isn't breed purity (for want of a better word) compromised when you have one breed of rooster (a Wyandotte, I think you said) mating with another breed of hen (like your buff Orpington)? Does it matter? This is the one question I've never found an answer to! Again, many thanks and please stay well!

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  4 роки тому +2

      To us it does matter, we aren't showing these chickens we are raising them for food so as long as they let eggs and grow big I dont care what color their feathers are;)

  • @GreenLand-yb2mx
    @GreenLand-yb2mx Рік тому

    I’ll make it ❤❤❤❤

  • @pgkkicks
    @pgkkicks 2 роки тому

    When do you take them out of the incubator, as soon as one hatches?

  • @claymor71
    @claymor71 3 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @forced4motorsports
    @forced4motorsports 2 роки тому

    FYI if not mentioned yet - That 'fleck' can be present on an egg that is not fertilized. I got them now and then without roosters.

  • @1965gracebug
    @1965gracebug Рік тому

    How long is a little bit? After they hatch how long stay in incubator?

  • @gustavjohansson8358
    @gustavjohansson8358 3 роки тому

    When can you let them meet the other hens? So they treat them wheel.

  • @EricaPetway
    @EricaPetway 3 роки тому

    I apologize if anybody has asked this… but, do you candle them? If so, how often?
    I’m new to incubating but, done a bit of research. Thanks and thank you for this video! 😊

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  3 роки тому +1

      Sometimes I do and sometimes I just leave them in there 23 days and see what hatches

    • @EricaPetway
      @EricaPetway 3 роки тому

      @@SSLFamilyDad thank you. I appreciate your time to respond. 😊

  • @rinkevichjm
    @rinkevichjm Рік тому

    How do you raise chicks to pullets?

  • @user-sy9ke8cq1q
    @user-sy9ke8cq1q Рік тому

    How can you tell which eggs have been fertilized as to start the incubation process?

  • @David-fv7zg
    @David-fv7zg 4 роки тому

    So....another follow up Q. Do you candle your eggs? I candle after about 12 days, it is quite evident by then which eggs took and will likely maintain viability and which didn’t.
    What are you doing with these chicks from a management perspective and how many do you have on hand routinely? They are obviously a mixed breed unless you stick with one breed. I used to keep New HAmpshire Reds, but missed the diversity of they different breeds so we went back to a mix. It’s a little more exciting when they hatch as well to see what you end up with. We use ours to replenish the stock and for meat birds. We dont need to buy new stock anymore as the first year birds are in one coop, the second are in another (this is where we get out fertilized eggs from) and at the end of that season they usually go in the freezer as the first year chicks will now be the layers for hatching as well.
    We do replace our Rooster every few years though, we have a small flock of no more than 18 birds so the genetic diversity is a concern otherwise. We have tried bigger flocks with multiple roosters but we had too many issues with Rooster dominance and taking it out on the hens.

    • @SSLFamilyDad
      @SSLFamilyDad  4 роки тому

      Through winter we try to keep it down to less than 10. Over summer we may have 30 or 40. We just have a bunch of mixed breeds now but eventually will have a pure barred rock flock

    • @David-fv7zg
      @David-fv7zg 4 роки тому

      @@SSLFamilyDad are you processing these birds yourself? Id like to hear more about your thoughts there, not the actual steps of processing but the workflow and management of the flock.