4th Annual BYC NYD Hatch-a-long

[CluckyCharms]

I can't candle tonight... I can't candle tonight... I can't candle tonight. (Most of my eggs are very dark Marans.) How do you guys that hatch all the time check them? I'm planning on just using the sniff test for now.

I candle them, but I also sniff test. I don't do anything with my sniffer unless it detects an undesirable aroma when I open the bator...I don't smell each egg individually unless I have a reason to. I candle on day 1 (to check air cells) day 7 (to check fertility), 10 (to check viability) and 18 (for late quitters). I used to candle every day with my first hatches, but have since learned that the strong LED lights may have an effect on the chicks after they hatch (temperament wise)...so I don't do it anymore.

I also check them by weight, and actually...thus far it's been 100% accurate (for me anyway). Picking up the eggs I can tell which ones have chicks developing in them and which ones are either developmentally delayed or perished, or infertile (due to weight of the egg in-hand). But - I still candle to verify, because I'm human and humans screw up. ;-)

 

[TMNfarm]

I'm planning on heading out for a bareback ride, with my kids, on the horses, in the dark tonight, in search of a Christmas tree, so hopefully that will keep my mind off of candling the eggs. I want to candle them all tomorrow night with the kids and record what we are finding in each egg... We'll be sure to draw the air cells on them as well...

 

[gabrielle1976]

 

[Blarneyeggs]

I will not candle tonight....  I will not candle tonight...  I will not candle tonight... 

I'd like to know how this works for you? I have a lot of resistance until I start reading this thread.

 

[Brechin]

Buff Silkie 'Tink" looks like Phyllis Diller

 

[Blarneyeggs]

I'm planning on heading out for a bareback ride, with my kids, on the horses, in the dark tonight, in search of a Christmas tree, so hopefully that will keep my mind off of candling the eggs.  I want to candle them all tomorrow night with the kids and record what we are finding in each egg...  We'll be sure to draw the air cells on them as well... 

Now THAT'S a plan! And what a wonderful Christmas memory for the lil ones.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Evening all........ hope everyone had a fantastic day.

We spent the day building fence, taking down a pen and otherwise being outside.

 

[JulieNKC]

Evening all........ hope everyone had a fantastic day.

We spent the day building fence, taking down a pen and otherwise being outside.

Too cold here for outside stuff.

But, I got my Christmas shopping done except for stocking stuffers today, so I'm happy.

 

[ronott1]

Quote:
The best post I read about this said: look for darkness in the eggs. The darkness will increase up to hatch date and then those that will hath, hatch.

Smell each each every couple of days. Look for weeping and if an egg is not getting dark after 10 days toss it.

I have an High Intensity candler so sometimes I see the veins and usually the air cell.

Good luck!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Come on over and show off your egg art -----http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/730324/nyd-contest-9-egg-art-contest

3 entries per person (yes you can show multiple pictures of each of the three eggs) NO it doesnt have to be just markers, YES we are willing to change the prize if you want to enter, but cant have geese, or dont want geese. (we are easy)