gracie Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 i really want to hatch chicks . we have four hens (that would be good mothers)and no cockrel so bying eggs is the only option . does anyone know any place to get them? we have a old rabbit hutch and run so we could keep the chicks there. does that sound alright? thanks yolko shelly omlet poachie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Are any of your hens broody? You will need a broody to hatch your eggs, unless you have an incubator. There is lots of info on hatching under the hatching and chicks section - have a look in there first. You will also need to plan what to do with any cockerels. Local poultry suppliers will often sell hatching eggs, but it depends what breed you want. You can try ebay, but I understand that the hatch rates can be a bit hit and miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracie Posted July 7, 2009 Author Share Posted July 7, 2009 i have aplan is a huch with a run a safe place to keep them ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Why not tell us a bit more about your plan and we'll help you! A rabbit hutch might do the trick but it depends on who's in there and what you intend to do with it? For example, it won't work well if it's one of the hutches off the ground because even chicks need to run around from quite a young age. let us in on the secret - we won't tell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 I've popped this into 'Hatching Chicks' because you're more likely to get the information you're seeking there. Don't forget that there's no guarantee on what sex the chicks will be, and you need to have a plan in place as to what you will do with any cockerels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 If you put day old in with your hens they'll be killed, sorry . One of them needs to be broody, and separated to hatch the eggs and raise the chicks. Otherwise you could use an incubator or buy in day old chicks and raise them separately and introduce them to your hens when they're around 20 weeks old. You're best to find eggs from a breeder close to you or get them posted. You'll have to find homes for any cockerels too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 hi i used arabbit hutch and run for my broody and it worked brilliantly mum and seven chicks still living in it quite happily. i had to cover a couple of gaps and made a little step to help them in for the first few days. as for eggs i got mine from a local farmers auction six bantoms for 80p and six frizzles for 2.20 not bad eh? also there was no postage needed which helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
