Mollie333 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Hi everyone. First of all, I've been looking through this, and i've turned BROODY! all i do is sit in my nest (chair ) all day and think about chicks, and hatching my own! So i got on eBay and found a 16 egg incubator, though i'd only use like 6 spaces.. , and some lovely Pekin bantam (my favorites! ) hatching eggs. I've been thinking long and hard. Everyone is telling me it wont be that simple, put eggs in the incubator and there we go, you've got some chicks. I know that they may not even hatch. Whats the probability that the chicks will die after they've hatched? i have a broody, but i don't think i can trust her as she is a very.. violent girl to the young silkies. So i'd rather use a incubator, who i know wont fight back. So is hatching hard? Do you loose alot of chicks? I am aware that i might not get hens, and i have already found homes for those unwanted cocks. . and i'd have to keep one or two out of my first batch! Do you have to be a expert at hatching? because although i have 8 chooks (soon to be 14- my ex batts!) i'd like to have a little go at hatching myself, i'd have to read up on it like a maniac, otherwise i wouldn't trust myself.. So, is it hard? do the chicks have a tendancy to die when they've hatched?? Im thirteen, MATURE! so i still go to school, i have experiance in chickens, but i really just want to have a little go at hatching my own! i told some friends about my idea, and they said that they may be able to take some chicks and my mum said well i guess so, but we cant keep cockeralls, unfortunatly! M x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Have a look at this info. **click** You will need a brooder, electric hen or brooding lamp, drinker and feeder for the chicks too, and separate accommodation for them for when they are old enough to go outdoors. It all gets a bit expensive! Also,they make a heck of a mess indoors when they are shedding feathers and dander everywhere - something your folks might not be too happy about. In answer to your question as to whether chicks have a tendency to die - some do, unfortunately, but happily most don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 It can be that easy - does depend on the incy you use too I'd avoid ebay eggs, unless they have amazing feedback - there are a few places that aren't too far to collect, or find a breeder and ask them to post some eggs. I'd rather use a broody to hatch now - there's nothing better than seeing her talking to the eggs, and then running around with the chicks once they hatch ... and she's cheaper than buying all the equipment - do make sure you have a plan to look after the chicks, should she reject them though. I'd work on 50% of eggs will hatch, and 50% will be girls ... though obviously it depends on other things and won't be exact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted June 2, 2010 Author Share Posted June 2, 2010 Thanks, i think i'm going to try and hatch, not yet though- i need to get my ex batts first! i know a good breeder that will send eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
