On March 20th, we started our latest greatest adventure…..
hatching some eggs we got from a friend. We have never hatched chicken eggs
before, so we have been learning as we go. From getting the temp and humidity
right in the incubator, to rolling the eggs by hand three times a day, it has
seemed like a long wait. Oh sure, it only takes around 21 days for an egg to
hatch, but when your anticipation level is a mile high, those days tick by
slowly!
hatching some eggs we got from a friend. We have never hatched chicken eggs
before, so we have been learning as we go. From getting the temp and humidity
right in the incubator, to rolling the eggs by hand three times a day, it has
seemed like a long wait. Oh sure, it only takes around 21 days for an egg to
hatch, but when your anticipation level is a mile high, those days tick by
slowly!
Over the last couple of weeks we have been delighted to see
the eggs begin to develop and grow. Of the original twelve eggs we received,
eight of them were fertile. Sadly, one of the eggs stop developing early on.
The other seven eggs however have been growing like champs!
Every so often the country kids and I have candles the eggs
using my smart phone’s flashlight feature. At first you could see all sorts of
veining in the egg and the tiny embryo moving about. But as the days passed,
those tiny embryos grew at an alarming rate! It is unbelievable just how fast
they grow. As you can see in the photo below, the eggs became so filled with
little developing chicks, that the eggs were no longer transparent.
using my smart phone’s flashlight feature. At first you could see all sorts of
veining in the egg and the tiny embryo moving about. But as the days passed,
those tiny embryos grew at an alarming rate! It is unbelievable just how fast
they grow. As you can see in the photo below, the eggs became so filled with
little developing chicks, that the eggs were no longer transparent.
We are nearing the end of our hatching adventure, as today
is day 20 of the process. And let me tell you, the anticipation is worse than
ever!!!! The eggs went into “lock down” on day 18, so all we can do is sit and
peek through the incubator windows. Lock down is when you stop turning the eggs
and increase the humidity in the incubator. This is a crucial time for the
embryos as they get ready to make that final push into this world. You do NOT
open the incubator during lock down. I feel so helpless not doing something as
I have been turning eggs for days.
is day 20 of the process. And let me tell you, the anticipation is worse than
ever!!!! The eggs went into “lock down” on day 18, so all we can do is sit and
peek through the incubator windows. Lock down is when you stop turning the eggs
and increase the humidity in the incubator. This is a crucial time for the
embryos as they get ready to make that final push into this world. You do NOT
open the incubator during lock down. I feel so helpless not doing something as
I have been turning eggs for days.
So I decided to read what do if something goes wrong. You
know, how to extract the chick from the egg if they get stuck. Does and don’ts
of hatching. You know, all the info you hope you never need but just in case…..
I want to be prepared for anything! I have two children but I feel so
unprepared for egg labor!
know, how to extract the chick from the egg if they get stuck. Does and don’ts
of hatching. You know, all the info you hope you never need but just in case…..
I want to be prepared for anything! I have two children but I feel so
unprepared for egg labor!
So here we sit…… staring at the incubator….. waiting for
something to happen…… Come out little ones, we so want to meet you!
something to happen…… Come out little ones, we so want to meet you!
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The “mother ship” aka the incubator. Just waiting for the the natives to come out! |
Hi Mindie, I can't wait to see your new chicks, keep us posted. Blessings
They just hatched yesterday! We have 6 little fluffy butts!!
How Cute! I shared this on G+. Have a great week~
Thanks. And guess what!?!?! We have 6 cute little fluffy butts!!!
I love this and your commentary is awesome!! I have a link party on Saturdays and would love if you would come share with me!
Hope to see you there.
Abbi @ http://www.seasonsofahomemaker.com
Aww thanks!
So neat! I've never seen this before. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays!
It was a first for us too!
Raising baby chicks is fun. i have never hatched any though! looks like an adventure for sure! Sharing!
Thanks so much for linking up at #Purebloglove link party! The party begins every Thursday at 8 p.m. and runs through the week end. I'm hosting over at http://www.homemadefoodjunkie.com. We love to see you there!
It was really intense! LOL We watched the incubator for any signs of pipping and once they started coming out the whole family was glues to the tiny windows.