Candling novice

[Hamstery]

This is Keira. She's a White Rock hen. She's setting on 8 fertile eggs.



We are on day 9. Last night ( day 8 ) I tried candling the eggs. My first time. Definitely nervous, as she was agitated with me and I was a wreck about damaging her eggs.
My question is....what should I have seen on Day 8? I perused the picture threads and a lot were showing veins on Day 8. I'm not sure how good my flashlight was and her eggs are somewhat dark. Should I worry if I didn't see any veins? I THINK I saw a sort of dark spot in the egg.
Also, what is the harm in NOT candling and just letting nature take it's course? Will any of the eggs that are duds, break under her and cause a problem? Thanks in advance!
Kris

 

[Lizz9311]

From what I've read on the boards here, most folks who have broody hens just let the hens do their thing and nature take it's course. I could be wrong though as I don't have any broody ladies and am stuck using a Little Giant incubator to hatch my eggs right now.

 

[Hamstery]

Thank you for your reply. I think that is what I will do...just let her do her thing. But I am so curious! I really want her to hatch a few....my son is 8 and it will be such a cool thing for him to witness. <3

 

[spotsplus]

By day 8 you should see a network of veins for sure. With broody hens I don't even candle the eggs as it gets the hen upset I know your anxious but the best bet is to just wait and see!

 

[Hamstery]

Thanks! Last night she got up to take a short trip out to free range and I found a broken egg. Just a fracture. So I took it out and cracked it open. There was nothing. I guess it's good since it was no good anyway...but now I am worried that all the others are not viable either.

 

[Hamstery]

She's so happy and content. And she is such a sweet hen.