Candle?

[Sphinx]

Seems like the general rule is candle if and when you feel like it.

Exactly.


I usually (ok ALWAYS) feel like it. LOL

 

[Chica Lady]

When is the last day that I can candle? I have 2 eggs under a broody bantam. She is a year old. She was given to and I don't know her history. So, I don't know if she has experience hatching and raising chicks, or if she has ever been broody before.

 

[LillyBantam]

Hi

I am only on my 3rd hatch (but first natural hatch). My broody hen is sitting on duck eggs, I have candled all the way through, usually after a few days to check all were fertile, and then periodically to check theyre growing... and they are... phew! Mine are due to hatch on Monday.

But I do think it depends on your broody. I reared mine from a chick, in an incubator, she knows me as mother hen and seems to trust me, never gets upset when I approach or remove the eggs. so knows Ill give them back. So promptly tucks them under with her beak, which I love watching!

In fact I currently have two broodys sitting, the other is sitting on duck and chicken eggs. Again, I have candled (mainly because I find it fascinating!) but also to check they're not dead.

With my first broody now due her first ever hatch on Monday I wont move or touch the eggs. Up to today I have lifted her for 10 mins a day for a poo and a stretch. But I wont now as it's important that those eggs have consistant heat and I dont want to lose any humidity she is producing.

I posted some candling pics a couple of weeks back. I'll see if I can find the link.

 

[LillyBantam]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/646871/broody-silkie-cross-hatching-duck-eggs/10#post_8819781

This is a link to my candling pics. Its very easy to do, just use a loo roll with a bright torch (I use the one of my phone as it find it easier to lay flat). Then in a dark room place the torch under the loo roll with your egg on top (be careful it doesnt drop through, been there!). Then move your egg gently around and view the veins etc. i find it easier if the light shines through the large end of the egg.