Incubate some eggs?

bedifferent · « **on:** March 01, 2008, 12:18 »

I have had a thought. I would like to add a few new hens to my collection and i am toying with the idea of incubating my own - what does everyone think about this against buying POL. Is it difficult? Have been looking at an incubator (Brinsea R-COM3 digital incubator) which looks good at £70 - fully automated as i might not be able to be around to turn them all the time.
I am told for just a few chicks (3 or less) i would get away with a box and heat lamp for a brooder - any advice on this?

Never done this before so would appreciate some advice as to what the hidden probs might be.

Thanks

Vember · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2008, 12:27 »

Main problem is what to do with the males! You can't guarantee how many hens you'll get. A friend of mine had 12 hatch naturally last year 8 were boys !!!!!

bedifferent · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2008, 12:36 »

I dont really have too much of a problem with dealing with deformed chicks - should that occur. As for males, thought i might grow them on until they start to crow and either sell/give them away of kill them for the table.

naturesparadise · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2008, 12:54 »

this like has the R-COM 3 cheaper at £59.98
http://www.homefarmfowls.co.uk/incubation.html

bedifferent · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2008, 13:35 »

Thanks for that, had been looking about but could not find it any cheaper. Great help!

Does this look like it might be ok for the job?

naturesparadise · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2008, 14:03 »

R-COM 3 is a good incubator but only draw back is it only dose 3 eggs

but if your ok with then yes its a great little incubator dose it all for you

its also had some good reviews

bedifferent · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2008, 14:24 »

out of 3 eggs, from your experience, how many would hatch and from them how many are likely to be male? Wondering if an incubator that does more eggs might be more practical. I only really want an additional 3 hens.

naturesparadise · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2008, 14:33 »

well with hatching eggs there is NO guarantee that any will hatch

and there is also no way to determine how many males you would get its like playing the lotto

but if you only want 3 more then to be honest i would just buy 3

Vember · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2008, 14:37 »

I put 4 Guinea eggs under a broody hen last year got 3 males and 1 female

babe · « **Reply #9 on:** March 01, 2008, 15:22 »

and you have to be a bit hard hearted to use an incubator.

the chicks can die in the egg right upto hatch day. and even if they hatch, they can still die.

i didnt like it at all. will be sticking to a broody or chooks that are already alive

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Incubate some eggs?

Vember

Vember