A question for the experts about hatching eggs

[dandydoodle]

We are wanting a faverolle roo. I have been checking around to see if I can purchase a roo that is already a few months old. Honestly I haven't had much luck in my search. I am considering purchasing eggs. I don't have an incubator though. I do have hens that lay eggs. They are in their chicken coup and I keep a heat lamp out there for warmth. If I were to replace the eggs they lay with the eggs I am ordering that I want to hatch would this work. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to buy an incubator because, we really only want to add one more chicken to our flock.

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[ChooksChick]

Extra roos are always a problem for folks- I would post an ad on the want to buy section and perhaps visit the faverolles thread and see if anyone has one or knows someone who has one to give up. Specify bantam or LF and the state you're from in your subject line for better success.

Good luck!

 

[Cavendish Chickens]

You never know what gender you'll get from an egg. You would need more than one for sure. What would you do with the other chicks after you found your roo? It would be fine to replace their eggs with them if they are broody's. Otherwise, a little pointless. They'd never be sat on, and never hatch. You could save money on an incubator if you made one from things you have at home. You can look online and find instructions for all different kinds of homemade bators. Just make sure it is working right before getting the eggs. You don't want an incubator that is too hot, too cold, or not holding the humidity the eggs need. If you do have hens going broody, it would make integrating the new roo with them a lot easier because they'd already be used to him.

Also, have you checked out mypetchicken.com? You may be able to order from them, or another hatchery they refer. Here's a link/web address straight to the breed... http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Faverolles-B47.aspx

Good luck!! (At least you're not trying to order chicks. That's harder this time of year.... lol We're ordering silkies, and they are getting limited.)

 

[gryeyes]

Wow, if you were in California, I would give you a SF roo. About 15 weeks old.. Hatched 'em myself. Sorry I don't ship. Dang.

You have to have a BROODY hen to stuff eggs under her to hatch. Regular hens just lay, sing The Egg Song, and leave the nest. No desire to set, at all. And being broody is hormonal and unpredictable. It helps to have breeds that are more prone to broodiness, but even then you cannot be sure you'll get one.