Candling question

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

1) Can a flashlight be used; why?, why not?

I tried with a small flashlight and none of the eggs seem fertilized. With all the nookie my cockarels are getting I would think SOMETHING would be fertilized.

2) Does a cockarel start mating BEFORE ability to fertilize?

Any particular candler you recommend? I saw a slew from China that were ridiculously inexpensive and was wondering, hmmm.

Thanks, my peeps!

 

[mcdze]

a ~10$ high output rechargeble flashlight off ebay works well ... and young males may not hit it quite right to start with ... older females may not let him either .. and it takes at least 5 days or so to tell positively on white or light eggs, 10 or so on darker eggs ..

 

[HollowOfWisps]

How long were the eggs been incubating or under a broody before you candled? I use a cheap LED flashlight that I got from tractor supply.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Yes a flash light can be used. You can use your hand to make a seal as in these pics ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

Did you crack a few eggs open to check for fertility before setting any other eggs?

I use a Brinsea candler. The rubber ring makes a good seal on the egg.