chicks

[roadkill]

I wouldlike to get some fert eggs and hatch them at home and then put them in the run outside so that the kids can see it all happen , when would be the time to start this next year and where do you get the eggs from? Also what gear do i need ?

cheers roadkill

[nellie-m]

Hi roadkill,

may I suggest you stay with us here for a while, follow our threads and find out what problems, diseases and difficulties a chicken owner has to deal with before you decide to hatch chicks?
After all, they're living creatures that deserve a knowledgeable owner.
Chickens are thoroughly addictive and we all love keeping them, but you really should know what lies ahead so you won't be caught by nasty surprises. Little chicks are quite delicate creatures, especially when raised without a broody.

Nellie

[roadkill]

ive had many chickens through my life but never from chick i buy them from the market ready to lay see my blog, but i have never had chicks and would love to show my kids a lesson they wil never forget . and i know the issues we get along the way so done need any lessons there

roadkill

[chris]

I agree with Nellie, but would advise you to do a search for 'hatching chicks' via the search above - there's a wealth of information, ranging from disease, incubator recommendations and tips right the way through.

I've no experience of it, but am firmly in the 'nature knows best' camp. If I were to do it, I'd start off with a broody.

[Scarlet]

I agree with Chris - If you already have chickens the easiest and by far the cheapest option is to hatch with a broody when the weather warms up and the hens are laying well.
If you want to hatch with an incubator it is a costly set up. You will need an incubator , thermometer/, hygrometer for testing temperature and humidity- broody hut for chicks and a heat lamp.
Also remember you usually only get an 85% success rate if all goes well and at LEAST 50% of those will be boys.

[Scarlet]

http://keeping-chickens.me.uk/chicke...-to-hatch-eggs

I use a semi -automatic incubator, you have to turn manually

Corti Incubator / Hatcher Perfect Beginners Unit Excellent Results Every Time - Incubators & Hatchers - Corti Product Range - Corti Incubator / Hatcher AF-25 semi automatic - Country Fayre - Poultry Equipment - Housing - Incubator Specialists Brinsea

Or the better options are
Brinsea Octagon 20 Incubator - Incubators & Hatchers - Brinsea Product Range - Brinsea Octagon 20 Incubator Range including the Eco, Advance and Advance EX - Country Fayre - Poultry Equipment - Housing - Incubator Specialists Brinsea Agents uk

Don't bother with fertile eggs from Ebay - you will have little success, especially after the egs have gone through the post.

[RichmondHens]

...... i know the issues we get along the way so done need any lessons there

roadkill

You can never stop learning, whether it be about chickens or anything.

I agree with others, and by far the cheapest method is by using a broody hen. Keep them on grass and don't introduce to your other chickens until they are at least 3-4 months old and have built up some immunity.

But most importantly please please please don't hatch before you know what you will do with the cocks. If you are happy to fatten and despatch then fine, but as you are doing it especially for your children be aware that they are likely to get attached to the tamer ones, which inevitably are cocks as they are bolder and more accepting of being handled.

[Scarlet]

But most importantly please please please don't hatch before you know what you will do with the cocks. If you are happy to fatten and despatch then fine, but as you are doing it especially for your children be aware that they are likely to get attached to the tamer ones, which inevitably are cocks as they are bolder and more accepting of being handled.

When my kids were little we fell into that trap (we had too kill their pets!! when my Mum took them out for the day - I have never told them that they ate them either!) and to top it off the one we did keep ended up being the nastiest thing you could imagine - He had to go too

[petal]

why not buy in some sexed day old chicks to raise if the cockerel problem is off putting? not a bad idea?