Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 09:58:38 AM
I currently have 3 hens and a rooster, road island reds. I wouldn't mind getting myself a couple more hens, and more than anything I would like to hatch a few for my sister and my nephew, I think it would be neat for him if they were chicks from uncle chads chickens. Anyways, I'm a newbie on the chicken owning thing. None of my hens sit on the eggs, so I'll have to get an incubator, planning on borrowing one since I know a few people that own them. Can someone fill me in on the basics? One of my buddies said you have to turn the eggs every day, and that it will take a few weeks to hatch them. I realize after they hatch I'll have to keep them separate from the other chickens, and have a heat lamp on them for a while. Anything I'm missing? I raised the chickens I have now from chicks so I think I can handle the rest, its just the hatching part I'm unfamiliar with.
Also, as the hens get older will they start sitting on the eggs or do I need a different breed or... maybe just a smarter hen to come along. None of them sit on their eggs at all they just plop them out and go on with their business.
Post by: Becky on February 05, 2013, 10:08:13 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 10:13:15 AM
Post by: Hawgdawg on February 05, 2013, 10:13:30 AM
By having a natural hatch the Mom does all the work and you don't have to worry. A good site is Backyard Chickens. Like HWF for chicken people.
Post by: bigdave on February 05, 2013, 10:39:12 AM
2nd on backyard chickens website. Lots of good information there.
Post by: lokidog on February 05, 2013, 10:50:25 AM
We have silkie hens that get very broody but you can only fit a few full sized eggs under one of them.
There are really good info sites everywhere. Mississippi State extension office has a better site than the WA one.
You can also buy fertilized eggs online or ebay if you want to try to get different varieties. Don't forget though that half or more will likely be roosters so be prepared for what to do with them. ;)
Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 11:09:56 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:15:56 AM
Post by: WSU on February 05, 2013, 11:18:47 AM
For others, what breeds are good brooders? I'd like to have some chicks hatched but don't want to deal with the incubator set up.
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:19:29 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:20:15 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:21:08 AM
Post by: WSU on February 05, 2013, 11:23:22 AM
Cochins are your best best WSU for a full sized chicken to go broodie. They are also wonderful parents.
Thanks for the info. I'd like to get a brood or two every year, but mine don't get broody. It would be nice to have the flock replace itself with minimal effort from me.
Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 11:29:52 AM
You honestly would do better unless interested in the hatching process, just buying chicks at Big R, or the co-op. Not trying to discourage you by any means, but the best success is buying an incubator. The basic of basics probably run about 30 bucks. (thats 10-15 chicks at the feed store). Then you have to deal with humidity, temp (electricity going out), turning the eggs and so forth. It really is a fun process and if you are serious, let me know and I can help you. Its a great kid project.
Yeah I realize that, thats why I'm going to try to just borrow an incubator. For me even just having chickens is kind of a wash price wise, but hatching the eggs and raising the chicks would be cool for my nephew (and me a little). If it doesn't pan out I'll just trick him and place a store bought chick in an incubator or box and let him think he hatched it. Eventually I'd like to be able to just hatch my own though, definitely sounds like a broody hen is the way to go for layers.
Post by: Machias on February 05, 2013, 11:32:29 AM
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:34:31 AM
Barred rocks are arguably one of the better brown egg producers and you will have a pretty good percentage of possible brooders. Again, its possible to have a broody Rhode Island, but not as likely. Thats one of the reasons folks like them as most raising eggs don't want to lose production.
Sometimes its good to have a good producer (rooster and hens) and then have a couple extra Cochins or other species for brooding. You'll have an occasional cross you might want to cull.
Post by: boneaddict on February 05, 2013, 11:36:02 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 11:42:25 AM
Post by: huntingfool7 on February 05, 2013, 12:53:13 PM
We also have a Black Copper Marans hen that hatched/raised chicks for us last year.
Much prefer having the hen do the brooding. No heat lamp to fuss over and a lot less work from me.
Should look on backyardchickens.com at some pictures of eggs that have been fertilized. Next time you're frying some up, you'll know if your cock is getting the job done.
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on February 05, 2013, 01:20:56 PM
Awesome, thanks bone thats a great offer
What he really means is that he's looking for someone to pawn his excess chickens onto. (That's what I did to my cousin a long time ago. :chuckle: ) they can reproduce faster than the flu virus! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: sirmissalot on February 05, 2013, 04:36:40 PM
Silkies are the broodiest birds that we own. I have a black silkie that's looking broody now.
We also have a Black Copper Marans hen that hatched/raised chicks for us last year.
Much prefer having the hen do the brooding. No heat lamp to fuss over and a lot less work from me.
Should look on backyardchickens.com at some pictures of eggs that have been fertilized. Next time you're frying some up, you'll know if your cock is getting the job done.
That's kinda cool, I guess this means his swimmers are workin?
Post by: lokidog on February 05, 2013, 05:21:03 PM
Post by: Kioti on February 12, 2013, 08:24:38 AM
We have had the same problem with some of our ducks not being broody. I use to use a incubator but found it to be too much trouble.
The one duck I found that is the best for hatching eggs is our Muscovy ducks. The female is excellent at hatching eggs, without question.
We have had our female Muscovy ducks hatch chicken eggs and even a goose egg...which was interesting to see.
Of our hundred of so ducks and geese, the Muscovy duck is the best for hatching eggs.
AS with any breeding program, you have to make sure you don't get into back breeding.
The best part about ducks and geese is they smoke up real good!
Post by: Fishstiq on February 12, 2013, 08:30:31 AM
Silkies are the broodiest birds that we own. I have a black silkie that's looking broody now.
We also have a Black Copper Marans hen that hatched/raised chicks for us last year.
Much prefer having the hen do the brooding. No heat lamp to fuss over and a lot less work from me.
Should look on backyardchickens.com at some pictures of eggs that have been fertilized. Next time you're frying some up, you'll know if your cock is getting the job done.
That's kinda cool, I guess this means his swimmers are workin?
I'm missing something... looks like a normal egg to me. :dunno: Is that fertilized or unfertilized, and how do you tell?
Post by: MrsTurkeyFeather on February 12, 2013, 08:44:52 AM
I'm missing something... looks like a normal egg to me. :dunno: Is that fertilized or unfertilized, and how do you tell?
I was told to look for a small red "dot" in the yolk, but Im not seeing that here....is there another way to tell?? :dunno:
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on February 12, 2013, 08:48:50 AM
I'm missing something... looks like a normal egg to me. :dunno: Is that fertilized or unfertilized, and how do you tell?
I was told to look for a small red "dot" in the yolk, but Im not seeing that here....is there another way to tell?? :dunno:
:yeah: :dunno: Looks like a plain ol' fried egg to me! :sry:
Post by: Kioti on February 12, 2013, 10:19:58 AM
If the egg is fertile, the white mark will be nearly perfectly round and in the center it will be yellow; it will resemble a donut. If it is infertile, the white mark will not be very round, and in most cases, smaller than that of the fertile mark. If the egg is not fertile, the 'white mark' is called a "blastodisc". If the egg is fertile, the 'white mark' it is called a "blastoderm", and this means that cell division,because of fertilization, occurred.
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on February 12, 2013, 10:28:45 AM
Post by: Kioti on February 12, 2013, 10:31:19 AM
I hope this answers you question about the fertility of eggs and the blood spot that maybe be present. Even with a blood spot, the egg is edible. Just spoon out the dark spot and cookem up.
Of all the years of selling duck and goose eggs I have never had a customer come back to me and complain about blood spots on their eggs.
Post by: huntingfool7 on February 13, 2013, 05:17:02 AM
To check the fertility of an chicken egg, simply break an egg or egg(s) in a smooth bowl. You should see a white mark on the yolk. If you do not, use a spoon to flip the yolk over until you locate it.Fertilized - the white spot looks like a bullseye.
If the egg is fertile, the white mark will be nearly perfectly round and in the center it will be yellow; it will resemble a donut. If it is infertile, the white mark will not be very round, and in most cases, smaller than that of the fertile mark. If the egg is not fertile, the 'white mark' is called a "blastodisc". If the egg is fertile, the 'white mark' it is called a "blastoderm", and this means that cell division,because of fertilization, occurred.
Post by: Possum197 on February 21, 2013, 07:12:44 AM
http://farwesthatchery.com/ (http://farwesthatchery.com/)
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html (http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html) Lots of really good info on lots of different breeds here! :tup:
they all ship through the Post Office too. Good luck!
Post by: bigdave on February 21, 2013, 08:32:38 AM
Post by: lokidog on February 21, 2013, 08:03:46 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on March 05, 2013, 01:01:01 PM
My question is, I know I'm supposed to keep the chicks separated from the rest of the chickens for sometime, but at apparoximately what age can I let them go with the rest and not have the other chickens try and kill them? At least that would be my worry... maybe I'm wrong though.
Post by: WSU on March 05, 2013, 01:12:19 PM
So I've decided to skip the egg hatching deal, and look for a broody type of breed to help me instead. I think I've narrowed it down to barred rocks, dells is supposed to get chicks in tomorrow and every wednesday now for a while.
My question is, I know I'm supposed to keep the chicks separated from the rest of the chickens for sometime, but at apparoximately what age can I let them go with the rest and not have the other chickens try and kill them? At least that would be my worry... maybe I'm wrong though.
Want to raise an extra 4 or 5 and I'll come pick them up? Payment and a six pack? I'm looking to get some broody hens also.
Post by: sirmissalot on March 05, 2013, 01:40:08 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on March 05, 2013, 01:42:56 PM
So I've decided to skip the egg hatching deal, and look for a broody type of breed to help me instead. I think I've narrowed it down to barred rocks, dells is supposed to get chicks in tomorrow and every wednesday now for a while.Your right to be concerned. Your existing flock may try to kill the new chicks. We don't put our chicks outside until they are fully feathered and about half the size of the existing hens.(they are all banties) We then "introduce" them to the flock by letting them out in the yard together but we keep a very close eye on them to stop any attacks before they happen. We will also put them together in the pen but keep them seperated by chicken wire to keep them from being able to get at each other. If you have a hen that is mild tempered you can put her with the new chicks to bond and then she may protect them as well.
My question is, I know I'm supposed to keep the chicks separated from the rest of the chickens for sometime, but at apparoximately what age can I let them go with the rest and not have the other chickens try and kill them? At least that would be my worry... maybe I'm wrong though.
Post by: WSU on March 05, 2013, 02:09:22 PM
Yeah I don't mind raising some for you, doing 9 or 10 can't be any more work than 4 or 5. You ok with barred rocks? I've read they are broody and great layers
I just want some broody chickens. The website above says they are "infrequent" as far as being broody. I don't personally know one from the other, but was thinking about going with Cochins based on what Bone said above.
Post by: weathergirl on March 05, 2013, 08:58:49 PM
Yeah I don't mind raising some for you, doing 9 or 10 can't be any more work than 4 or 5. You ok with barred rocks? I've read they are broody and great layers
I just want some broody chickens. The website above says they are "infrequent" as far as being broody. I don't personally know one from the other, but was thinking about going with Cochins based on what Bone said above.
I would bet money on a barred rock NOT being broody. I glanced at the website and several that they have listed as broody, we have never once witnessed to be broody. The only ones we've ever had that have been reliably broody are our banty ameracauna and our silkies. Once we had a silver spangled hamburg sneak off and hatch six chicks, but that was unusual for us. We've only ever had a couple of cochins, so I can't speak about those. Sometimes birds will sit for week or two, and then seemingly give up (leaving some yucky eggs behind).
As for introducing chicks, I think we are similar to turkeyfeather. After the brooder, they go to the coop in a section where they are separated by chicken wire, but still near the grown-ups so they can start getting used to each other. Then when they are maybe 2.5 to 3 months old, we let them mingle together and see what happens. We've never had any serious problems. Sometimes the older ones will harrass the young ones a bit, but that's the pecking order being established.
Post by: sirmissalot on March 06, 2013, 09:55:16 AM
I'd really like to get some Americanas, or however you spell that but broody is my number one goal, with good egg production closely behind
Post by: lokidog on March 06, 2013, 10:09:04 AM
The conundrum you are in is that through the years, and especially since electric incubators have been developed, chickens have been breed for high egg production or good egg to feed ratios rather than being good mommas.
You might have some luck with some of the more traditional/old breeds as they often seem to have their instincts more intact. Also, when you decide to let the eggs sit, remember that a hen chicken, just like a turkey, will lay a bunch of eggs before actually sitting on them. So, just because you see four or six eggs in a nest w/o a hen on them doesn't mean she won't set when she is ready.
Post by: WSU on March 06, 2013, 10:11:19 AM
Post by: EatMeat on March 06, 2013, 10:32:26 AM
Barred Rocks are in my opinion the most attractive.
The Rhode Island Reds and Sex Links are very social. They like to be close to the kids and myself (hoping we will feed them)
Maybe get a variety of breeds to increase you chances of getting a good broody hen.
Post by: turkeyfeather on March 06, 2013, 10:54:28 AM
Post by: black hog on March 06, 2013, 10:20:38 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on March 08, 2013, 09:25:50 AM
Post by: black hog on March 09, 2013, 12:46:25 PM
Post by: lokidog on March 09, 2013, 08:52:47 PM
Post by: Wilderness Addict on March 10, 2013, 09:03:21 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on April 02, 2013, 01:17:23 PM
A friend gave me some chicks she tried to give to her mom for easter, she couldn't tell me the breed but thought it was cornish something so I'm assuming they are cornish cross or cornish rocks. Supposedly the lady at the hardware store told her they are layers though... but pretty sure they are just going to be dinner. My question is how do I know when to butcher them? Someone once told me these kind of chickens don't live very long. So 6 months till they go on the grill? Or maybe its just when they look fat enough... I've wanted to try the meat chicken thing, having just 2 is probably a decent way to try it as I don't know how much I'm going to enjoy plucking them and all that, so we will see!
Post by: lokidog on April 02, 2013, 07:18:31 PM
For eating, just growe it until you are happy with how full of meat it feels. Some people butcher the cornish cross cockerels at 8 weeks and let the pullets grow a little longter.
Post by: black hog on April 02, 2013, 08:01:55 PM
Post by: huntingfool7 on April 02, 2013, 08:38:56 PM
Otherwise butcher at 7 or 8 weeks.
I would cut them early.
Post by: sirmissalot on April 03, 2013, 07:59:03 AM
Thats basically what I heard Loki is that their body outgrows their organs... I wouldn't want to mess with trying to keep food from them since the others just have a feeder and I don't want to mess with keeping them separated.
Thanks a bunch guys, black hog I'm gonna send you a PM