Jen84 Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 HELP - I am looking to hatch some eggs very soon and am looking for a 2nd hand incubator - I live in Essex and dont have a lot to spend on an incubator really - i WILL NOT buy from ebay as feel this is unsafe - any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 Hi Jen and welcome to the forum. May I ask whether you have researched into hatching eggs before going into it? I ask because you will need to buy a lot of kit and it can get expensive, then there are the unwanted males to think of. Please read this thread before proceeding as the forum likes to encourage considered and responsible hatching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 If you do go ahead with buying an incubator, I would recommend ANY Brinsea! Think carefully before buying & hatching. If it is right for you then I wish you the best of luck with the hatch! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syed_king12 Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 i'd actully recommend rcom. they do the job and they have countdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 I'd recommend a broody hen, limited number of eggs can be hatched at any one time and she will keep things absolutely perfect for the eggs. Then she will look after them, raise them, show them what to do until you're ready to do whatever you're going to do with them Mrs B (very biased! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 Me too Mrs B, I find it by far the best way to hatch and the chicks seem to thrive more too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 when / IF we decide to hatch some, I will use a broody too. my sil just had 10 in an incy - ended up with 1 live chick, and says she will never do it again! sorry if that sounds negative, but I've talked to so many people who say 'leave it to the broody' that I echo wot they said above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen84 Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 Thanks all for your feedback - I am hoping to hatch some speckled sussex eggs, mainly because I cannot for the life of me find any chicks locally (within 50miles) and wish to continue with this breed - I have thought about broody hens but i have 2 ex battery and one 7 year old sussex and none have shown any broody signs for 2 years - I am looking to hatch just 2/3 eggs and will happily keen the males so no issues there. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 If you don't have a broody, you have to use an incubator. There's a lot of mixed feelings about incubators and broodys. In fact there are a lot of mixed feelings about most things on the forum! Do what YOU feel is right! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I have exchanged some PMs with Jen this mormning and she's a delightful and experienced hatcher, so no worries there. I have explained that we were just being cautious - too often, we see some poorly researched and equipped hatching, with us left to pick up the pieces with urgently needed advice and re-homings. It wasn't possible to judge her position from Jen's original post, so naturally we were wary. And if anyone wants to borrow a broody..... Lavinia is still resolutely broody after 2 goes in the broody cage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Out of my seven chickens one has her chick, three are broody, one doesnt lay anyway and the other two are being mardy. yesterday I got no eggs the day before it was one. I would happily lend a brody to someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Dilly has quail eggs under one of her broody bantams; I can't wait to see how they get on as she's had great success hatching them in an incy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
