A more natural way to incubate chicks...an experiment in natural nest incubation.

[Beekissed]

I've started an experiment on simulating a broody hatch over on BYC and wondered if anyone here had ever done anything like this: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/854946/simulated-natural-nest-incubation-experiment-1-so-it-begins

 

[Southern by choice]

Just read your thread! Sounds interesting.
I also prefer for my broodys to do the work. Just had chicks hatch out somewhere in the woods... Modern Game Bantams. Yep momma sat through frigid temps, snow, ice... and they hatched.

I do have a small bator and large cabinet incubator. I hatch for the public and have to coordinate hatches. Kinda stinks but gotta do what I gotta do for large orders.

Curious to see how this goes for you.
I do want to say when the mommas sit there really is consistent temps all around and they turn their eggs it seems constantly. I read somewhere an average of 17 x day.

When I have to use artificial incubation I do lift the lid or open the door for 5-10 minutes it will take time for temp to come back up- but I do it to mimic how the momma hen would leave the nest once a day to eat/drink/defecate.

Also candling the eggs a second time at about 17-18 days will tell you if one has died if so remove it so it does not rot or explode as it can contaminate the hatch. If they are dark eggs and you cannot see through it just use your sniffer... any odor and pitch.

This will be fun to see how your experiment goes.

 

[autumnprairie]

I am also following, I just sold my incubator I think more to appease my DH. I am not worried 75% of my flock is Buff Orpingtons

 

[Beekissed]

The experiment has changed and I was doing something wrong, so may start a new nest, may continue this one while starting a new one or may end this one and go with the new one.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Uh oh... what happened?

Edited to add: Just went to BYC and read the latest updates. Hope it works out...and yes...keep going!