Candling without Cooling

[FluffyButtBabies]

Hi everyone! I recently got a massive incubator for this year's eggs. Usually I only incubate a dozen eggs at a time in a small bator, and about half hatch (they're shipped so not the best but not the worst). But this year I wanted to get the number up a lot higher, so I ordered a huge incubator and am currently heating over 32 eggs. Because they're shipped, I'm not planning to check on them till day 7 to get rid of the bad ones and check on the good. The only problem is, how do I candle them without hurting the other eggs? I don't think opening and closing the lid 32 times will be any good for the heat or humidity...I've never had this problem before because I could just check the 6 real quick and put them back in less that 5 minutes. But I'm also worried that if I don't check, I could a) get a dreaded bomb egg, b) miss any signs of flipped chicks, or c) not know which eggs are supposed to hatch (I've assisted a few before that were overdue and they turned out fine, but if I don't even know if the egg is viable I can't help). Any suggestions? Should I worry about it at all? Or should I not risk it and just leave them all together for the full 21 days? Thanks, I really appreciate any advice!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hi everyone! I recently got a massive incubator for this year's eggs. Usually I only incubate a dozen eggs at a time in a small bator, and about half hatch (they're shipped so not the best but not the worst). But this year I wanted to get the number up a lot higher, so I ordered a huge incubator and am currently heating over 32 eggs. Because they're shipped, I'm not planning to check on them till day 7 to get rid of the bad ones and check on the good. The only problem is, how do I candle them without hurting the other eggs? I don't think opening and closing the lid 32 times will be any good for the heat or humidity...I've never had this problem before because I could just check the 6 real quick and put them back in less that 5 minutes. But I'm also worried that if I don't check, I could a) get a dreaded bomb egg, b) miss any signs of flipped chicks, or c) not know which eggs are supposed to hatch (I've assisted a few before that were overdue and they turned out fine, but if I don't even know if the egg is viable I can't help). Any suggestions? Should I worry about it at all? Or should I not risk it and just leave them all together for the full 21 days? Thanks, I really appreciate any advice!

I’ve never been in your situation, but maybe you could have a bowl with a warmed towel (like warmed slightly in the dryer) and take 2-3 eggs out at a time. Just put the ones you’re not actively candling in the bowl.

I’m no expert though so use my advise at your own risk!

 

[WolfLady]

I usually incubate about 25-35 eggs at a time. Short timed fluctuation in heat and humidity won't do harm, even hen can leave the nest 20-30 minutes without compromising the hatching. I base myself on that: I candle quickly and make sure the parameter get back to the preferred level within the time frame (max 30 minutes) and I never had issues yet

 

[Blue Legs]

I am using an incubator that can hold something like 40 eggs, only have 22 in it at the moment. What I have been doing to be fast about it is wait til it is dark, remove 5-7 eggs and put them into an egg carton. I then candle these, remove any duds, and replace them. Doing it like this I only open the incubator 4-5 times for a few moments and the eggs are only out for a minute or two