|
Post by andyfromfbg on May 3, 2011 13:09:03 GMT -5
Icelandics have a reputation of hatching a day or so earlier than other chicks. The population has been so small and the hatches so few until now that I feel it best to designate this as an observation rather than a fact until we can confirm it further. Among other breeds there are variables such as temperature, and humidity that may affect the timing of a hatch and these of course may affect the timing of an Icelandic hatch. I have used two incubators, a Brinsea with automatic temperature and humidity control set at 99.5 Temp and 52% Humidity. Other variables common to all fowl are fertility resulting from parentage and the unpredictable influences resulting from shipping. I have had as high as 100% hatch rate on a shipment of eggs from Mary Obrien, and a 0% hatch rate on a shipment that arrived during record setting cold, when the eggs were put on the mail truck early and upon arrival were close to frozen. So there is clearly a risk when shipping. Some of those risks may be managed with proper packaging, others are simply beyond the control of shipper or receiver. Overall, Icelandic Chickens are very fertile, broody and make great parents if you prefer going the natural path.
|
|
|
Post by klawall on May 19, 2011 18:05:40 GMT -5
I agree Andy with the observation that hatch is earlier than other standard breeds. I have observed this in both the artificial setting of an incubator and the natural setting of a brood hen.
I have also observed this in shipped eggs as well as 'laid on the farm'.
Artificial x shipped Artificial x farm Broody x shipped Broody x farm
All have resulted in eggs hatching beginning on Day 19-20.
|
|
|
Post by ryanzierke on May 19, 2011 19:11:56 GMT -5
I know all the chicken books say that chicken eggs hatch the 21st day but all my hatches so far ( non Icelandic ) (both by broodies and incubator) start hatching the 19th day and usually finish by the 20th day. One hatch last summer by a broody hatched on the 18th day. Any idea why this would be?
|
|