[sussexchook]

i was thinking of getting fertile eggs again the only problem is non of my hens are broody at the minitue so is it possible to to make a hen broody or will i need to buy an incubator .

[ANHBUC]

I had the same problem so invested in an incubator.  I set 25 eggs last Tuesday and the next day Dotty went broody.      I have been moving her off the nest but she was determined so I have put her in a hutch with some fertile quail eggs.  She was not happy at being moved but I will just keep an eye on her to see if she accepts the new eggs.

The only thing I can suggest is put your best broody in a broody coop with some normal eggs, food and water.  Leave her to settle and after a few days she may go broody.  Then you can replace the eggs for fertile ones. 

[sussexchook]

ok then well my best broody seems to be my buff orpington at the min she can be on there half a day just for 1 egg then she gets off and creates like hell and thats it she will stay outside for the rest of the day
any idea were i can get a cheap incubator from

[ANHBUC]

If she goes broody you won't need one.

There are some threads on here for making your own with a polystyrene box so that would probably be the cheapest method. 

[sussexchook]

i hope she does lol how do i get on to those threads please

[ANHBUC]

i hope she does lol how do i get on to those threads please

HERE

and THIS THREAD might be worth a read.   

[sussexchook]

thanks very much for the info i will read it all if i can lol

[pepsi100]

I have got one of these, it isnt as expensive as some out there (Ebay Item number 290803998054)

Just a thought if you do fancy an incubator

[ANHBUC]

I have got one of these, it isnt as expensive as some out there (Ebay Item number 290803998054)

Just a thought if you do fancy an incubator

Thanks for that pepsi100.  Let us know what results you get from it and any good or bad points.   

[pepsi100]

The eggs I have put in there have been a mixed lot, (18) I candled all the eggs  at 10-12 days, some have  have been clear (never hatched) the others have hatched out, only problems I have had it with humidity, but its nothing major, just top up the pot and soak a sponge

I have lent mine to neighbours, they have had mixed results, clear eggs, kids keep opening it, but they have been happy with it and got 3 chicks from 6 eggs (the others were clear) I ended up with the hens, they get a dozen eggs a week

There isnt much that can be done about clear eggs though

Its easy to operate (just plug in, put the eggs in, check temperature, check humidity, candle at 10-12 days0 and give a decent price if you decide to sell it on

I would guess there are the polystyrene boxes cheaper out there, but I never had good results from them

[ANHBUC]

It may just be they were not fertile pepsi.  I set 25 eggs last week and only 5 were definitely fertile.  I candled them and I am really pleased that at least 10 are fertile.    

[pepsi100]

I know, I am very dubious about getting eggs from ebay, you cant leave anything about fertilty of the eggs, they all say they have 100%, buyt as no one can actully say how many did hatch or were ferile (unless you do a follow up reply) so its #buyer beware#

[ANHBUC]

The post won't help fertility either.  I collected my fertile eggs but managed to crack one getting it out of the box, clumsy me!