Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hey guys, my first incubation isnt going well. A chicken egg is 4 days overdue, no movement for 3 days. I opened it slightly and saw veins still carrying blood. Could it still be alive and hatch?




It could be a late hatcher, especially if incubation temps were slightly low. Keep an eye on it ...

I'd say don't go over 15% of the total ration, or you might dilute the protein too much. That 22% feed is great for keeping up egg production, and too many oats could drop it below ideal.

For the best results, combine strategies. Use an odor-absorbing bedding material like pine pellets or aspen shavings, along with a fan or ventilation system. Make sure the coop is in a spot where the breeze can carry away any smells.

I'd be cautious about just adding soil because it could compact and cause drainage issues. A good alternative is pine shavings or straw,both are soft for the chickens and won't shift as much with freezing and thawing. Also, make sure the rats haven't found a way in elsewhere before investing more ...

If you want color variety, Easter Eggers are a solid choice! Mine lay almost daily and the blue/green eggs are a bonus.

Sand can work, but in extreme cold, it can freeze solid, making it just as hard to clean. If your coop isn't well-insulated, deep bedding with straw or pine shavings might be better.

Chickens are surprisingly tough and often enjoy being out in the rain, as long as they have dry places to retreat to. If they choose to stay outside, it's usually not a problem, but just make sure they can dry off when they come back inside.

My chickens were about 90% grown by 5 months, but I didn't notice them filling out fully until 7 months. The body shape is more defined at that point, but they stop growing so rapidly after 6 months. The combs and wattles also continue to develop until they're about 7 months.

It might help to keep the dust bath moist from time to time, but just a little. The dryness can create excessive dust. Try using a small spray bottle with water and lightly mist it every couple of days. You could also mix in sand and a bit of straw to help.

I've incubated smaller eggs from my new layers and had some hatch, though I've noticed the chicks can sometimes be smaller or weaker. If you're okay with that possibility and just want to give it a try, I'd say go for it! Just be extra diligent in maintaining incubator conditions.