David

[mimi5]

Need some assistance

 

Having decided to go ahead and hatch.........neither of my girls show any sign of going broody Also Beantree's advice is not to use a broody I used 2 of my girls last time (3 years ago) But sadly both girls are gone now (Molly only couple of months back ) So neither of my current two have hatched before (they are my hatchlings )

 

I would like to crack on.....

 

Do I wait for one to go broody? They are pekins after all!!!!!!!!

 

Or invest in an incubator and brooder (don't tell hubby!!!!!) But I've no experience hatching this way

 

Please some thoughts

[sjp]

I'd wait for a broody. I've got an incubator but I much prefer broodies as I think broody raised chicks integrate into a flock much better than hand raised but I do free range mine with the mob from an early age plus it's harder to get the hatching bug if you haven't got an incubator

[Egluntyne]

I agree. Incubators and brooders involve a great deal of faffing about, dust and dander everywhere and are expensive. I'd hatch under a broody every time now.

[miller30]

I use both but yes so much easier with broody s I have at least 20/30 a year never lost one never have any problems with rearing chicks etc I'm sure you will get a broody at some point leanne

[mimi5]

Thanks all

 

I was a complete novice last time, so it was my only experience to draw from. But very interestingly I felt it was very successful. My own eggs were a 100% hatch, bought eggs not very good, less than 50%. I learned a lot and it's amazing how the broody really knows what to do!

 

I also felt that the chicks were well integrated as they were outside together and also on the same ground. I had felt sure this was the way to go, so thanks again for helping me to feel more confident

 

Please just let one go broody