Candling black eggs

[Cheryl the Chicken]

I have 5 black chickens that have been in the coop for a while now, and when we try to incubate the eggs, it seems like none of them are fertilized. We candled them on Day 5, and there is no sign of a sperm whatsoever. I have visually saw the rooster “mate” the black chickens, and I am wondering if it’s too early? Or maybe a different candle method? Or is it just unfertile? So far, only a single black chicken egg has a visible embryo so far.

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

How old are your chickens? There tends to be a drop off in fertility when it gets cold out so for example where I'm at in Washington it's been really cold, snow even, no fertile eggs. Although most of the rest of the year it tends to be just fine good luck!

 

[Cheryl the Chicken]

How old are your chickens? There tends to be a drop off in fertility when it gets cold out so for example where I'm at in Washington it's been really cold, snow even, no fertile eggs. Although most of the rest of the year it tends to be just fine good luck!

My chickens are around 2 years old, and live in Maryland, which is fairly cold outside, around 34 degrees right now. Thanks a lot for your comment! I really appreciate it! Is it possible for a chicken egg to not produce fertile eggs even after they “mate”?

 

[Aapomp831]

Sperm is not what you are detecting; that’s impossible to see with the naked eye. You’re looking for development. The only way to know if an egg is fertile or not is to break it open and look for the bullseye. Of course, you won’t be able to incubate this egg. The only way to know if an egg is fertilized AND keep it viable is to incubate and candle for development after 3 to 7 days. Your eggs are probably still fertile; I have never heard of fertility dropping off in winter months.