BCM's--help--I'm in the dark!

[btpeters]

I've heard its really hard to see into these dark eggs, so my question for ya'll is:

1) do I HAVE to candle? (not that I won't be dying of curiosity!)

2) if yes, then how long can I wait without risk of an exploding egg or something nasty like that happening...All I know is that I have to do it before lockdown.

thanks for your help

 

[btpeters]

One more question---Has anyone been able to see into these eggs at a level 7/8? If so, how early? thanks!

 

[FlashPointFarm]

I don't candle mine. I'm sure you'll be fine not doing so. What are you using to candle your eggs?

 

[math ace]

just today on the marans thread, the folks were recommended items for candling marans eggs - -

1.) super flash light at walmart for around $30

2.) 220 lumin flashlight on amazon.com for $25

3.) Old slide projector - - - frequently found on craigslist FREE

 

[heathersboers]

It is VERY hard to candle these dark eggs!! I have actually quit candling. I do the float test right before lockdown... on the darker eggs 7-8 they are almost impossible. One of my hens lays a dull dark chocolate colored egg, I have tried every candling device, flashlight etc, and still cant see through em....

 

[shelleyd2008]

You don't have to candle, it's near impossible with dark marans' eggs unless you have a REALLY good candler. The eggs will smell for at least a few days before they 'blow-up' if they are going to, so you don't have to worry about that. Just smell your bator every couple days to see if there are any stinkers.

Also, the shell of the egg sounds different if the egg has died. When you tap on it with your fingernail, it has a hollow, porcelain sound to it. Try holding them next to your ear and tapping them with your fingernail to see how they sound, a bad egg will be noticeably different.

 

[btpeters]

Wow, all great info! thanks to all of you.

I have to say, I'm relieved to hear I don't have to candle. last time I did it, I think we used a small mag light, and it was kind of stressful at the time since we didn't really know what we were doing. I like the tapping test, much more doable for me. and of course, I'll smell for a stinker...I should be good at that, I have been changing diapers for the past 6 years straight

One cool thing I just learned on here is that you can apply candle wax to mend a cracked egg...i had no idea!

relieves my fears that all my eggs will arrive in the mail with hairline cracks now I just have to not think about the freezing weather out there...

 

[shelleyd2008]

I've not had any luck patching eggs, they still quit on me. I just toss any that have cracks, or boil them and feed them to the chickens

 

[btpeters]

it seemed a little too good to be true...

 

[jewel7091]

I patched an egg with candlewax after cracking it with the flashlight and the chick was fine. Actually it was the second one out! I'm just glad that I read so much on backyard chickens that I actually knew what to do when it happened!