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We’re at the halfway point with the first shipped Lavender Ameraucana eggs of the year, and there’s good news…and bad news. The good news is that there are, after 2 candlings (earlier than normal), still eggs in the incubator. The bad news is that there are now just 7 left.
Continue reading “Update: Lavender Ameraucana Hatch #1 (2022)”
I tried hatching several sets of shipped Lavender Ameraucana (a rare breed that’s not available locally) last year, with dismal results: of three set of eggs from two different breeders, I only had 2 hatch successfully – and that was 1 in each of 2 sets. But those birds are so lovely and sweet that I couldn’t help ordering more eggs – from a breeder in a different state – and hoping for better luck this time!
Continue reading “In The Incubator: Lavender Ameraucana #1 (2022)”
When you artificially incubate eggs as often as I do, you understand that bad things can happen. That’s why I think of hatching as bittersweet: the joy brought by new hatchlings is tempered by the sadness of those that die or have problems that may adversely impact their quality of life. Despite the inevitable lows, I find that there will be experiences that profoundly affect me, and that keep me going…like the immense strength in a tiny chick’s will to live.
Continue reading “Poultry Tales: The Magic Of Optimism (Lavender Ameraucana Hatch #1)”
Sometimes, the quiet in an incubator with eggs in lockdown is deafening. What’s going on in there? Are the air cells large enough? Are the goslings still alive?? And then, out of the blue, a pip appears!
Continue reading “Incubation Update: The Goslings Are Hatching! (Long Read)”
The goose eggs are nearly three quarters of the way through incubation. Today, I candled to verify continued development and weighed the eggs. I also visually checked the air cell development.
Continue reading “Incubation Update: Pilgrim Goose Eggs – Second Candling”
It’s the second candling, roughly halfway through the incubation period. There’s good news and bad news, but overall, it’s looking very good.
Continue reading “Incubation Update: Pilgrim Goose Eggs – Second Candling”