[gsc]

My new incubator arrives Tuesday and I've arranged to collect some eggs from some-one local but she will only have a few.  I am tempted to bid for some on eBay, lemon cuckoo orpington, to top the numbers up to nearer 20.

I reckon by the time they were posted and get to me - it will be no different to me collecting them on Tuesday, timewise I mean.

However I'm a bit vague on how this works.  If some-one collects eggs over 2 or 3 days then posts them, they may be up to a week old by then, and maybe they will hatch at different times?  How will this affect the success rate?

[Casey76]

The eggs don't start developing until they are in the incubator, so the will still all hatch at the same time.

Eggs can be incubated upto 11 days after laying, however fertility starts to drop off rapidly after day 7.  The eggs should be stored in a cool (not refrigerated) place before being placed in the incubator at the same time.

[gsc]

Thanks Casey - so as long as the seller hasn't had them around (or under a broody hen?) for a while - I should be OK?

[Casey76]

yep

[joyfull]

If they come through the post they will need to rest for 24 hours first before setting, also remember Monday is a bank holiday so this weekend is not a good idea for posting - the eggs could end up stuck in the system 
Is it a new incubator or a second hand one? If used then ideally you should clean it out with incubator cleaner and check that it works ok before you put eggs in.

[gsc]

I'm only going to bid on stuff I can pick up within a 20 mile radius, plus some from a local lady.

I went completely barmy and bought a brand new R-Com 20 Pro USB - trying to think of a way of telling hubby   :blink:

I can't wait to play with it.  By the skin of my teeth I can get it going before I go on holiday and come back to be an expextant Mum I hope - whoopeee.

Might get some Porcelain Sablepoot Bantam and some Lemon Cuckoo Orpington or maybe some French Copper Blue Marrans.  All local on eBay.  Depends on what my local lady manages to find me - Lavandar Araucanas and Black Silkies and maybe some cream leghorns.

Only got room for 20 though.

[dizzylizzie]

owww, how are you ever going to choose?...it will be like being 5 years old with the woolies pick 'n' mix

[gsc]

owww, how are you ever going to choose?...it will be like being 5 years old with the woolies pick 'n' mix

I just hope I can stay one step ahead of the learning curve and get some hatched out.

I told hubby I'd bought it - I just haven't owned up to what it cost yet 

[Chookiechook]

   You just wait till you tell him the difference between that polybox he authorised and the pro usb  :blink:

You will need the bator to live in.... unless you have a doghouse

[gsc]

  You just wait till you tell him the difference between that polybox he authorised and the pro usb  :blink:

You will need the bator to live in.... unless you have a doghouse

Lol - I'm on holiday with my sister for 2 weeks Wed.  I think I will tell him before I go - give him a couple of weeks to get over the shock.

[newatthis]

och just seen the price, i hope he doesn't change the locks while your on hoilday, LOL

[joyfull]

I never do my oh what I spend on the chickens and he doesn't read this page so he will never find out