Chicken bald back

[Mollie333]

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

[Egluntyne]

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.

[Lewis]

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.

[Mollie333]

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.