araucana hatching

hi there   well after looking at my new rcom suro for 4 weeks ive finally made the move and got myself some araucana eggs to try.  i have been told that due to the araucana having stronger shells i need to adjust humidity accordingly to take this into account.  anyone got help for a first timer???

the eggs from my araucanas do seem to be stronger but I have never had any problems with hatching (mind you I do use broodies not incubators).

I have never had a problem with my araucanas- I use a brinsea.  What colour birds have you gone for??

For the first 18 days the humidity needs to be between 30-45%rH and then increased to about 60%rH for days 18-21.  Temperature should be 37.5*C

The eggs need to be rested for 24 hours, pointy end down when you receive them before you set them.

Have you really though this through properly?  Hatching at this time of year is time consuming and electricity consuming.

If you set them tomorrow (for instance) they would be due to hatch on approximately 13 Oct.

At 6 weeks old, when they would normally be going outside, it will be 24 Nov.  Chicks do not cope with cold/wet/wind as well as adult hens, so you will probably need to keep them inside for longer.

When they are inside (including the 6 weeks when they are very small and unfeathered), they will need constant heat, and they will also need supplemented lighting as they days aren't very long now to ensure they eat enough to grow properly.  Winter hatched chicks are often smaller than spring hatched chicks due to this very reason.

You needn't wait that much longer if you're eager to start.  If you set eggs in at the beginning of Feb, they're ready to go out by end of March, with a little care and attention; and hatching early in the year is always easier, as the days are getting longer, and the weather getting warmer.

One other thing to consider... the mating "season" is well and truely over, so the fertility of the eggs cannot be guaranteed at this time of year, especially if the breeders keep large pens (having said that most breeders I know break up their breeding pens in about Jun, which is just about the "end" of the hatching season).

Please think of the welfare of the future chicks before you rush in, especially if it is your first time hatching

I understand

In April this year I was told I was going to Argentina with work for 6 weeks in May and Jun.

By the time I went I had more than 40x 6-10 week old chicks and 12x week old chicks, all of which my mum (who knows nothing about pultry) had to look after.

I really began to regret hatching everything, but in the end everything was OK.

I'm sure your araucanas will be fine.

You can barn rear them (if you can get a "natural light" bulb for day time that would be great) until spring, and allow them days out if the weather is fare.  It's a lot more than some chicks have.

Be warned though, it is a very slippery slope you're on lol! Hatching is extremely addictive!