Friday, October 30, 2009

The Little Giant

Well, I can now cross one thing off of my wish list! I got a Little Giant incubator from Tractor Supply a week or two ago. I've been trying hard to wait patiently until November 5th so I can set some eggs for a Thanksgiving Day hatch!



Wouldn't you know it, the 1 Americana hen I have that actually lays (there's another one that hasn't layed yet) has stopped laying! I was really hoping to be able to hatch some of her eggs, so I was really bummed. I realized I had 2 of her eggs in the fridge from about a week or 10 days ago, so I figured I'd do an experiment.

Refrigerated eggs have been hatched before, but since mine weren't too fresh it's kind of a long shot. I figured I didn't have anything to lose, so I put the two green eggs in the bator Thursday night at midnight (I guess that's technically Friday morning). In 5 days or so I should be able to tell if they're developing. Hopefully they are!

Here's the top of the bator with the viewing windows. The little white knob controls the temperature. It should stay at 99.5* F for chicken eggs.


It comes with a thermometer that sits on top of the eggs.


It's sitting on the kitchen counter right now.


Since I didn't get the automatic egg turner, I've been turning the eggs by hand 3 or 4 times a day.


I'll let you know in a few days if there's development when I candle the eggs!

7 comments:

Linda said...

I'll keep my fingers cross that they'll be a little Thanks & Giving or Pil & Grim ready to be born.

Deb Johnson, Quiltbeeme said...

Cute names Linda! Katie - I can't wait to see the incubator and will cross fingers for seeing the miracle of pecking to freedom!! I love how many fun things you have for us to do when we come up for Thanksgiving hon!! I can't wait! Love you, Momma

Jen's Farmily said...

How awesome! If you join the backyardchickens.com forum, there are usually people who are willing to ship you mutt eggs for shipping cost only! Not sure if you wanted pure-breds, or not but it may be something to check out! Can't wait to see the progress!

Becky said...

Yay!! I can't wait to come visit. I can't wait to hear the update after you candle them. Maybe I'll take some babies home ;) I'm sure the HOA would LOVE that! LOL

katiegirl said...

Beck, I think you AND mom should take some chicks home!! I think she definitely needs chickens...

Susan said...

Hi Katie,
I'd love to send yo some of my "Mutt" eggs. We are collecting all the eggs now because it would be too cold for any poor chicks that hatched out in Minnesota this time of year, but I'd be thrilled to see some hatched out in your incubator. The eggs are a variety of colors and sizes (as are our chickens) and we have some black runner duck eggs, if you want to try them. If you are interested, send me your address (to skwaughtal@aol.com) and how many & how you would like me to pack them and I will pop them in the mail today!
Susan

katiegirl said...

Sorry, all. I was a little misleading in my post. I am still collecting brown eggs, but I just don't have any hens laying green eggs at the moment!

Susan, thanks for the offer! I'm going to email you!

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