Candling late?

[Ambam47]

Our hens have been sitting on eggs for about 19 or 20 days. I peeked this morning and there were no pips so far. I know there were a few times that an egg got pushed out because we gave the eggs to 1 hen and then Three other silky hens decided that they wanted to help mother too so now there are four chickens sitting on eight eggs. I think eggs got pushed out a time or 2 because they we’re fighting to get on the eggs as well. I’ve never removed any eggs yet so I was wanting to handle them because I fear that there may be some dead/rotten in there. Can I candle?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

If the hens have been sitting for that long, then give them a day or two and see if anything hatch. Unless you have a good candler, then the eggs might be all too dark.

Were the eggs all set at the same time, or is there a chance they're different ages? If there are different ages, then that can be problematic because the hens could all leave the nest when the first chicks hatch and abandon the rest. It might be helpful to separate one mother and give her what hatches and let the others hatch what is delayed.

 

[Yardmom]

Silkie eggs are very easy to candle. Grab you cell phone and shine the flashlight into the air cell. If they are alive you will see veins or a chick moving around ready to pip. Candling in a dark place will help.

 

[Ambam47]

If the hens have been sitting for that long, then give them a day or two and see if anything hatch. Unless you have a good candler, then the eggs might be all too dark.

Were the eggs all set at the same time, or is there a chance they're different ages? If there are different ages, then that can be problematic because the hens could all leave the nest when the first chicks hatch and abandon the rest. It might be helpful to separate one mother and give her what hatches and let the others hatch what is delayed.

They were all placed on either 5/7 or 5/8

 

[Ambam47]

Silkie eggs are very easy to candle. Grab you cell phone and shine the flashlight into the air cell. If they are alive you will see veins or a chick moving around ready to pip. Candling in a dark place will help.

Is it safe to quickly candle them? 2 are silkie eggs. The other 6 are assorted

 

[Yardmom]

The biggest danger of candling would be do it so quickly you drop the egg. Take your time and carefully observe each egg. The mixed eggs can be candled as well. Some colors are easier to see through than others.