[Bev]

Hi,

 

I really want to get hold of some Welsummers and there don't seem to be any available any where near where I live - South Northamptonshire just incase anyone has any! I am thinking I might get some hatching eggs off E-bay and try hatching some out.

I have been searching the forums and picked up a few tips. Is there a good 'how to do it' guide any where?

My neighbour usually has at least 1 broody hen and my friend certainly had one recently and I believe that is the easiest way but I do have a friend with an incubator who will lend it to me if need be.

Is it wise to buy off E-bay, I realise there is a risk of eggs being damaged or roughly handled in the post and would be prepared to take that risk or maybe drive to pick them up, the nearest ones I have seen tonight are 50 mins drive from me, is it worth the drive or would you get them posted?

Once I get them is a bantam going to be able to look after 6 large hens eggs?

Is it very difficult to rear little chicks?

Want to arm myself with information before getting them. Is it too late in the year now?

I look forward to your replies and have enjoyed the chick photos on the forum! Aaaahhh

Bev

[joyfull]

I have bought eggs off ebay with varying results - out of 12 silver millefleur sabelpoots only 1 hatched, out of 12 lavender sabelpoots I got 9, out of 6 black I got 5 and out of 6 mottled buff I got 4. All of these came through the post. Personally I would advocate buying from a local person or be prepared to travel and fetch them as 1 lot of mine took 5 days in the postal system (and none of these hatched  ).

[curries]

Hi, I too have bought off ebay and had no success with the first lot, my second lot are due to hatch on Tuesday but 4 have candled fertile so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  All I would say is scrutinise the feedback and see if you can find feedback relating to the hatching success which gives you some idea at least.

I found a very useful 'hatching with a broody' guide at the website below if that helps.

Happy hatching.

http://www.gilburyfarm.co.uk/

[JaK]

When looking for eggs I did a search on ebay for what I wanted and selected the 'distance nearest first' option. I then sent the seller a message and went to meet him, he lived about an hour away but it was worth driving out there as 10 out of 11 eggs were fertile. I also know that if the hatch rate isn't great, he will have chicks of a similar age ready and waiting.

[darkbrowneggs]

Why not consider joining The Welsummer Club, or at least checking out their site for reputable breeders.

All the best
Sue

Dark Brown Eggs

[hillfooter]

Some good advice there.  Certainly do all you can to determine if the seller is reputable and their stock is healthy.  Diseases can be passed through hatching eggs so don't take things for granted.  Buying off ebay you are buying a pig in a poke and although many sellers are genuine enthusiasts selling what they believe are good hatching eggs there are some rogues too.  Trying the Welsummers club is a very good idea and one i'd certainly follow up this in preference to ebay as you are likely to get good productive stock.

If you want eggs ask about the productivity of the parent birds.

A bantam will struggle to cover 6 L/F eggs and if you use a broody you'll need to setup a broody coop which will be suitable you can't just hatch eggs in a laying house with other hens around.

It's not too late though not optimum either.

Best of luck
HF

[evie2]

I got ours from ebay, fertility was 3 out of 6 for the Dutch bantams and 12 out of 18 for the Sablepoots.  Eils made our broody coop but recently I found a site selling a rodent, as in rabbit/guinea pig, house which we got for some rabbits but mum and chicks have taken up residence with the odd 'aunty' joining them at night.  I think it cost under £30 inc delivery and to be honest it's the perfect size for a broody coop.

[Bev]

Thanks everyone. I didn't know there was a welsummer club. I am off to have a look  for that in a mo. Have checked with my neighbour and she has a broody hen and a little nursery house and run for the mum and chicks that I can borrow. Think I will send my husband on his motorbike to fetch eggs. Will wait for friend with incubator to return from Glastonbury though as she may have a large broody hen too.

bev

[Bev]

Hi Again,

Not found any through the Welsummer club.

Did find some day old chicks though just south of Oxford. Have e-mailed to see if I can reserve some. I have a very stupid question...

Can you put week old chicks under a broody hen or would I need to get hold of a heat lamp?

Will they need any thing other than chick crumbs, very shallow tray of water. Heat lamp and nice warm box to sleep in. Nursery house and run away from my other hens.

Indoors at night?

Oooo, it is so exciting, can't wait to find out if I can get some.

Bev

[captngit]

hatching eggs and chicks are available at acorn nurserys stadhampton (oxford) good place to buy from ive been very happy with my purchases from them

[francais]

I brough 6 light sussex eggs of e-bay last year and out of the 6 five hatched.

Read up on it first cuz you need a few extras and if you are using an incubator you need even more stuff.

I've tried both ways and the broody was the easiest cuz mum does all the work like keeps the chicks warm (so no head for heat lamps etc)