Saturday 7 May 2011

Hatched!


It was bad enough when there was only one now there are three and the noise levels are increasing exponentially.
As well as an incubator running in the office I now have a brooder as I am not tempting fate and putting the chicks out in the barn. It means there is a lot of background humming, clicking and whirring as well as cheeping. And it is only going to get worse as I have a further four eggs (out of 24) pipping.
I don’t expect all 24 to hatch as I forgot to candle the eggs but let’s just say it looks like I am going to have a handful. Those born so far are all what I term Fat Boys i.e. chickens for eating. Crossing fingers I may have a couple of Silver Grey Dorkings and a few Indian Game on their way out too. These would be my breeding stock and worth an awful lot of money £20 – 30 each at point of lay! I wasn’t just cross with those rats I was furious as they took two Silver Grey Dorking females (£60 worth of chicken!!!!) However, I won’t be counting my chickens until they have all hatched!

9 comments:

Ladybird World Mother said...

So exciting. Must say, haven't thought about doing this for money... what an idea... we have 6 eggs all about to hatch, but under our broody hen.. tomorrow is D Day. lets wait and see.... xxx

Molly said...

Looks like you're going to have your work cut out, Tattie, but so exciting with all those new babies!

Von said...

Good luck.Indian Game, my favourite breed!

Rob-bear said...

Well, seems you're making progress. Which is good!

Bluestocking Mum said...

Gosh, sounds like you will be busy. How egg-citing! Sorry, couldn't resist ;)
xx

Orchids & Observations said...

So thrilling ! My dear Mother hatches her Silver laced Orpingtons in a spare bedroom and I get a running update on all the goings on - Id love to do it myself one day. Must be so satisfying.

Milla said...

rats ... chickens ... starlings (blog below). Feel anxious. Not cut out for this country lark at all! Particularly rats.

Posie said...

God for you Tattie, I have four hens at the minute, but just layers. Love the idea of breeding your own hens to eat, and chicks are so adorable. Enjoy

About Last Weekend said...

You have a veritable little city of fluffy folk going on there. The classes at school have chicks thank goodness as seem a pretty noisy undertaking. Fun though!

Go on you know you want to...

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