TO HATCH OR NOT TO HATCH? – HATCHING EGGS PART 1

OVERVIEW

One can start a flock with Pullets and or cockerels. These are like the pre-teen to teen about to enter adulthood of the chicken life-cycle. They are still pretty easy to tame and or train they will get used to you a lot quicker than adult chickens. Adult chickens will get used to you and with a lot more time, patience and care you can probably tame them a bit or teach them new things.

But there is nothing like bringing a hatchling into this world and caring for it from the egg stage!

In this series of Hatching Eggs we will look at:

PART 1 – TO HATCH OR NOT TO HATCH? (you are already on this page)
PART 2 – CHOOSING YOUR FERTILIZED EGG(S)
PART 3 – GETTING READY TO HATCH THE EGGS
PART 4 – FACTS ABOUT HATCHING EGGS

DECIDING TO HATCH CHICKEN EGGS

It is so wonderful to bring home a little chick. They are so cute, tiny and fit into your hand all warm and snug. You get to put them into your brooder and watch them grow each day nurturing them all the while getting them used to you and or your family.

There is nothing quite like that experience and for those with children, it is a real learning curb for the kids.

But there is nothing quite like actually hatching the egg(s). In fact, some poultry farms have days where people can come and view their eggs hatching. It is an experience you will not forget.

It is not often that we see something being born and it may be a little gross at times, some people may even not be able to take it. But you will never forget the sheer awe you feel watching as a new life comes into this world.

When you decide to hatch eggs whether you have bought fertile eggs or bred your own you must remember that there is a 50/50 chance that you may get more males than females, or an equal amount of both or you may land up with just males or females and visas versa.

Roosters tend to have tighter laws and regulations governing the keeping of them if you are in a suburb or neighborhood type area. On homesteads and farms, depending on your space, there are no limits to how many you can own.

But it is important to remember that roosters will want to reproduce and to many of them will wear out your hens, fight amongst each other and you could have discord in your flock.

It is best to stick to the rule of thumb when owning roosters.

So, if you are going to hatch/breed chickens you must decide what it is you are going to do with your roosters. Because chances are you may land up with a good few of them.

You must also remember, that other than sexlink hybrid breeds, it is going to be hard to tell them apart at first. It can take up to 4 to 6 weeks before you are able to tell the difference between the two.

Hatching eggs takes patience and an understanding that you may need a few turns before you get the chickens you want. As raising them from a hatchling one tends to get quite attached to them and you may have to give a few of them up!

END OF HATCHING EGG(S) PART 1

Hatching eggs are not for everyone as you have to consider both financial costs and emotional costs.
But if you are up for the challenge, have the patience and can endure the potential risks of losing a few or the disappointment of having to give some up for adoption/to other homes. The rewards as with the experience is great!

Part 2 of our Hatching Egg(s) series takes a look at how to tell if an egg is fertilized, choosing the best way to buy your poultry and where to buy it.

While you are on our site why not read some of our other information we have on chickens!

If you are new to owning chickens, looking to starting out before making a choice of chicken breed it is best to have a clear vision as to what you are wanting to get out of owning chickens. Are you looking for fresh eggs, a pet, etc? For advice on keeping chickens see our “The first-time chicken owners starter guide”.