Tweety Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Hi all, I am considering buying an incubator and hatching some pure breed Frizzle eggs, but would be grateful for some advice about size of incubator. I was going to get the Brinsea MIni advance, which seems to be quite popular on the forum but only holds 7 eggs. However, I will have to get the eggs through the post as there are none available locally to me, so hatching rates may be affected. Would I be better going for a larger incubator and more eggs, or shall I start small and be prepared to have several attempts? I never thought I'd say this, but I wish one of my usually broody-prone girls would start acting like a pancake! In typical fashion, there is no sign of this happening any time soon! I'd much rather use a broody than an incubator, but have got no choice at the moment as I want to get on with it. Thanks in advance for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Its worth asking what hatch rate your supplier is getting currently - some breeds have better hatch rates than others - some you just accept that of every 10 eggs you'll get 2 chicks for example - I dont know much about Frizzles or I would venture an opinion In general though I'd personally hatch more eggs providing you are well prepared for them all to hatch (have the room etc..) It also depends on whether you just want to retain females As an example if I want to get 4 wyandotte females from a hatch I'd set maybe 16 eggs, be prepared for some non fertile eggs, some not to make it through incubation and one or two not to hatch then about half of the remainder to be boys I'd go for an inccy like the Octagon 20 (the basic model isnt a lot more expensive than the mini A) and set more eggs if you can - maybe a dozen. If you do set six then for a first time incubation try I'd say you may get 3 chicks if you are lucky from posted eggs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Thank you Redwing, that's just what I needed to know. I've got the room, and have made my decision about boys, so it's just a matter of plucking up the courage to start! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Tweety I've just been having the same dilemma. I have just purchased a Octagon 20. I decided I didn't mind turning it a few times a day - it would make me feel 'involved' and it would give me room to expand if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Thanks chicken bark. How many eggs - and what breeds - have you put in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 When I say I have just purchased I mean it hasn't actually arrived yet! I'm hoping to put some Faverolles and Orpingtons in. Suppose I need to think of a breed that I could find homes for if too many hatch. Decisions, decisions, so many breeds to choose from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 Faverolles and Orpingtons sound lovely - how exciting! I had decided on the Octagon 20, and was all ready to place my order, when I found some Frizzle chicks for sale. They are only 3 weeks old and unsexed, so I will have to wait a bit, but I am now wondering whether to abandon my hatching plans altogether and play it safe. I would love to experience hatching some chicks though. Help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I've just got the Brinsea 20 auto and i've got 3 different breeds in it 22 eggs in total (dropped 1 and 1 was broken). Already eyeing up the next sort for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 Well, I have just ordered the incubator and brooder, and some frizzle eggs, and feel like I did when I found out I was pregnant - excited, nervous and slightly worried! No doubt, I will be back with all sorts of silly questions. Thanks for the advice so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I've managed to borrow a couple of home made brooders and an electric hen. Got some Faverolles eggs lined up so now just need the incubator to arrive so I can actually get the eggs. Going to build a bigger brooder/cage for when they are a couple of weeks old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 My eggs and incubator should be arriving tomorrow, and I have spent all morning cleaning the room I will be using for hatching and brooding. I do keep having doubts, and imagining 20 male chicks hatching, but I remember feeling apprehensive before my cube and omlet girls arrived almost 4 years ago so, hopefully, once I have got started I will feel more positive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I keep worrying about that too. I've bought one of those magnets that you dangle over the egg and if it turns it's one thing and if it swings its the other. According to my efforts 15 are girls 3 are boys and 4ish are non runners, I'll give it another go next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I hope the magnet is correct Sarah - that would be a great result! My incubator, brooder and some of the eggs have now arrived. Hopefully, the remaining eggs will arrive tomorrow or Thursday, and after they have rested will go in the incy at the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 They tried to deliver my incubator today but I was out. Still they will re deliver tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Bank on about half being male. I was very unlucky last year with 80% of my Pekins being male and it looks like its going that way this year with three out of four of my frizzle Pekins hatched so far being boys My dottes are far better with about 60/40 and more females than males - this is actually a shame in a way as I want more males for showing next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
