Incubator Surprise

About two weeks ago this incubator arrived.  It is the GQF 1502 complete with thermostat, humidity and egg turning capability.  The funny thing is, I didn't order it. SURPRISE!

 The incubator accompanied this crate of egg trays. SURPRISE!

Evidently Ted and my Mom had a phone conversation.  When those two get together on the phone there is no telling what will happen next.  Mom now has internet and has discovered shopping online.  Years ago she had an incubator and hatched off chickens and guineas.  She loves hearing the guineas while we are on the phone.  I was so excited to get everything set up in the craft room.  Perfect temperature and humidity was reached in about 12 hrs.  Now we needed eggs.

We noticed that the guineas had stopped laying eggs in the hen house.  They are able to fly and free range all over our farm.  Well, to be honest, the neighbors farm, down the road, in the woods, in the road.  Truthfully, guineas are not the brightest of the fowl world.  We have lost a few to cars.  Once in a while we will hear beeps and have to go call the birds out of the road.  So if you see a guinea in the road, please don't assume that they will fly away. Nope, they will try to stare you down.  Hence, guinea loss.

Ted found this nest in the hayfield.  There were 32 eggs being set on by 3 guineas. 

These guineas were very angry that we were robbing their nest.  They aren't aggressive birds but very vocal. It broke my heart to take the eggs away.  If we didn't then Emma and Lucy would find the nest and have a feast.  Yes, they are egg lovers.

All set up and ready to go into the incubator.

Okay little keets. Do your thing.

Temp 100deg, humidity 55%, turning on.

Now we wait and watch up to 28 days.  We don't know how long the guineas had been setting on the nest so we aren't sure of a hatch date.  The excitement builds. 

Thanks Mom!

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm

Guinea Egg Update

Ted was in the upper pasture and noticed guineas acting strange.  "I'm not doing anything.  Who me?"

He found another 40 guinea eggs.

Now we have a whopping 72 eggs in our new incubator.

And some very, very angry and yelling guineas on our farm.

Help, I think there is a plot underfoot to take us out.