Redwing Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 I have just switched off my Octagon incubator (the setter) there are 18 eggs in the RCom (the hatcher) due to hatch tomorrow then that will be switched off too! I will miss the constant hum of incubators coming from the kitchen The octagon has been on constantly since last November and it hasnt played up once About 160 chicks hatched plus those waiting to hatch Some lovely show worthy chooks produced Its all over until November then it will all start again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Wow! Redwing - that's dedication for you. I am impressed - and you deserve a rest! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue-DiamondChick07 Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Definatley the right person to seek hatching advice from! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Your lekky bill will halve! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 Your lekky bill will halve! tell me about it! even using electric hens its £145 a month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Your lekky bill will halve! tell me about it! even using electric hens its £145 a month! OUCH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 That'll be nothing to the feed bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 1, 2010 Author Share Posted August 1, 2010 That'll be nothing to the feed bill Feed, bedding and bits and bobs - £120 a month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuckov Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Oh my word. *definitely* dedication for you Sounds like you've had a very busy few months, time to enjoy the rest of the summer with your feet up/ a few lie ins / a nice glass of wine in the garden of an evening --delete as appropriate-- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 1, 2010 Share Posted August 1, 2010 Until someone goes broody and fancies a couple of chicks, or you find some must have eggs! Well done on all the chicks though Hope there are a few winners in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Glad to hear that it's all gone well Tasha I'd stop now too - the quality of eggs starts to go down towards the end of the season too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 2, 2010 Author Share Posted August 2, 2010 Whats really annoying is that the barred dotte eggs are now perfect size, shell and shape where at the start of the season they werent that great This last hatch is for Mostin - Some buff Sussex, I just threw a few barred dotte eggs in at the last minute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Whats really annoying is that the barred dotte eggs are now perfect size, shell and shape where at the start of the season they werent that great Typical, eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted August 2, 2010 Share Posted August 2, 2010 May I ask why you start again in November? What do you hatch in November and what do you do with the winter hatchlings? Are they kept inside after the 6 week mark aswell? Sorry - I'm not just nosey, I'm wishing to learn as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 2, 2010 Author Share Posted August 2, 2010 Last winter I kept hatchlings in a brooder in the kitchen then they moved to runs in a stable this year I have a super little shed that has two brooders with electric hens and a small contained pen with a heat lamp - the shed is just outside my back door and is perfect I also have a stable that has two pens and about 11 hutches/cages where they can be housed when off heat, the window is covered in the winter to keep more heat in. I also have a further small stable that has a mesh and wood door where larger growers can run a bit more freely As long as you can keep youngsters warm and give them enough light (artifically if needs be) they will grow just fine over winter I kept my show birds in the greenhouse over winter to keep condition on them! I will start to hatch in November so I will have POL birds in spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 3, 2010 Share Posted August 3, 2010 That's exactly what I do Redwing - usually hatch around Easter time - then again October / November time. I get eggs all year then. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
