Layer flock replenishment plan

[mdtreehugger]

I have been blessed (or maybe cursed) with a lot of broody hens this year. So instead of buying chicks I figured I would hatch my own. First mamma hatched 6 babies in the last 24 hours. Hoping for one or two more before she gets of the nest. The only picture so far, she will probably be more cooperative once hatching is complete. This one little guy (fairly certian it is a rooster) seems to like to not hang out under mom. The rest of the crew does not come out yet. As of this morning I had 3 black chicks, 2 yellow and a brown. 
More chicks are due this Friday, and another round the following weekend. Got one more who just went broody who I will give eggs to tonight.

[nytrapper23]

Very nice .

[mdtreehugger]

Have six healthy adorable fluff balls from clutch number 1. Waiting on 3 more in the coming weeks. 

[pokeyjeeper]

Man now you got me wanting to hatch some eggs out brings back memory's when I was a kid on the farm thanks for posting

[mdtreehugger]

Clutch #2 has started to make there way into the world. As of this morning I have 4 live chicks, and 3 more eggs that have pipped and chirp when tapped. Hoping for 7 live ones out of this clutch. 

[mdtreehugger]

Looks like my final count for clutch number 2 is 9 live chicks. I had initially set 12 eggs under this hen, one broke during week 1 and I was certain it would greatly affect my hatch rate. Of the remaining 11 eggs nine hatched alive and a 10th died during hatching. By far my most successful hatch do date. A lot of really nice variety in this bunch. Several appear to be feather footed and two where hatched from blue eggs. Can't wait to see what the grow up to be. 

[mdtreehugger]

Hatched a dozen more a few days ago, momma was allowed to keep 5. 4 went to other broody hens who's nest had failed and 3 joined the day old turkeys. 10 of this clutch have feathered feat and 8 have muffs, should develop into some cool looking birds. 

[Brad H.]

Bear in mind I know nothing about chickens. I assume the hens you keep for future layers, and the roosters you eat?

[mdtreehugger]

You got it! Hens get kept, although I might rehome a few depending on how many I end up with, and the roosters get ate. 

[shawn]

You mean you're not sexing them now as chicks? I saw that it is possible once on Dirty Jobs but, I haven't a clue how. I wish I had room for chickens.
Brad, you haven't convinced the Mrs. yet I gather.

[Brad H.]

Jul 25, 2017 11:03:21 GMT -5 shawn said:

You mean you're not sexing them now as chicks? I saw that it is possible once on Dirty Jobs but, I haven't a clue how. I wish I had room for chickens.
Brad, you haven't convinced the Mrs. yet I gather.

Haha, not there yet. I think I had her talked into meat birds, but as things go with work and family, I ran out of time to put anything together.