Anyone Rear Chickens?

[catherine896]

Im interested in trying to hatch some chicks, my brother has an incubator that I may be able to borrow but if not is it possible to use a heat lamp? Like the type you use for reptiles?
Obviously if I put a thermometer there to check the constant temp first? Would this be possible?

Any advice would be great thanks!

 

[grahamsokel]

I would think as long as you have the heat lamp on a thermostat and turned the eggs regular it should work.some of the smaller incubators work with a light bulb for heat.
you would need to have them in some sort of container that you can control the humidity and also it will have to have good air flow
what breed are you thinking of incubating?

 

[catherine896]

I like the look of silver partridge pekins. And maybe Appenzeller Spitzhauben and Polkin Frizzles.I like the 'different' looking ones

What sort of containers would you recommend then?

 

[grahamsokel]

I have never used anything but incubators so i wouldnt like to say.
but you will need to have something that will keep the humidity at around 40% for the first 19 days and they boost ot up to around 60% for the last 3 days.you also stop turning the eggs 3 days before hatching

 

[catherine896]

Ok, thanks for the advice, Im hoping I can borrow my brothers incubator. I wouldnt like to risk making my own!
Thanks again.

 

[FBTgirl]

I use to have tons of chicks. But a stray cat ate ALL of them one night