Are eggs that rattle dead?

[Jersey Girl]

Many many years ago I was told that eggs that are incubating, if shaken gently and rattle, are dead. I have just assumed this over the years but am looking for proof of this and not finding it. I'm wondering because have a goose that has been sitting on a clutch for about 32 days now and not seeing any signs of hatching yet. The majority of the eggs do rattle when shaken, but 4 or 5 do not. So, is this an old wives tale or true?

And, if no hatching, at what point should I take the eggs or encourage her to give it up?

 

[SilverBirds]

I've never heard of rattling eggs to tell if they are alive. That could really hurt any live ones. Did you candle the eggs at all?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Many many years ago I was told that eggs that are incubating, if shaken gently and rattle, are dead. I have just assumed this over the years but am looking for proof of this and not finding it. I'm wondering because have a goose that has been sitting on a clutch for about 32 days now and not seeing any signs of hatching yet. The majority of the eggs do rattle when shaken, but 4 or 5 do not. So, is this an old wives tale or true?

And, if no hatching, at what point should I take the eggs or encourage her to give it up?

No, this is not true, not in the least.

 

[Goosebaby]

I wouldn’t shake them to determine if they’re alive or not, candling them is better.

 

[ColtHandorf]

All I have to say is that if you rattle them around they are dead. Because you killed them. So I guess in a roundabout way, yes?