Broody hen

[SulkyBantam]

I'm on day 4. What day should I try to candle them and what are the signs of fertility and a live embryo?

Maybe day 5-7? Here's a good reference article:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

 

[sassychickens76]

Maybe day 5-7? Here's a good reference article:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

Thank you so much!

 

[sassychickens76]

So should I be able to see veins on day 4?

 

[SulkyBantam]

So should I be able to see veins on day 4?

If you have a strong candler, but I'd personally wait until day 7. Best not to do it too often either.

 

[sassychickens76]

OK, on day 7 should a flashlight work fine? Also, when I candle, should I throw out eggs that are clear?

 

[SulkyBantam]

OK, on day 7 should a flashlight work fine? Also, when I candle, should I throw out eggs that are clear?

Yep.

 

[aart]

OK, on day 7 should a flashlight work fine? Also, when I candle, should I throw out eggs that are clear?

If it's a good bright one, and used in a dark place.
I'd wait until day 14 or so to throw out any duds, since you're new to candling.-

 

[sassychickens76]

Thank you, you've helped me sooooooooooooooo much. I'll post pics of the candling results on day 7.

 

[SulkyBantam]

If it's a good bright one, and used in a dark place.
I'd wait until day 14 or so to throw out any duds, since you're new to candling.-

X2. A strong torch works best, I had a weak one and as a result almost threw out some eggs that later hatched. If in doubt, don't throw it out.

 

[bobbi-j]

I usually wait until Day 7. Anything questionable I will mark and recheck them in a week.