Day 22 Freaking out

[Alaskan]

So I just attempted to candle the eggs with a torch; mumma was very patient with me. I could definitley see the air sac and an area that was dark, no movement however or chirping. It has just started pouring with rain so I may check again tomorrow? Chick is still happy under mum.

You do need to make sure the one hatched chick is getting to eat and drink.

The reason to candle the eggs, is to know if all of the other eggs are empty of have dead chicks in them. If no other eggs are going to hatch you can remove the eggs so the hen can mother the chick properly and make sure it gets to eat and drink.

 

[Kayleighsarah55]

You do need to make sure the one hatched chick is getting to eat and drink.

The reason to candle the eggs, is to know if all of the other eggs are empty of have dead chicks in them. If no other eggs are going to hatch you can remove the eggs so the hen can mother the chick properly and make sure it gets to eat and drink.

Thanks Alaskan! I candled the eggs again today - I have discarded all but three; which appeared much darker than the others. The chick (now named Bottichelli) is eating, has access to water (I have been at work so I have not actually seen it drink) and appears to be quite content and active. Mumma gave me a pretty good peck today when I was trying to candle the egg and also got up when Bottichelli wandered a bit too far. I think tomorrow I will try water candling the eggs before discarding (I water candled all the eggs i discarded today also, just to be sure) - I just hate the thought of discarding an egg with a chick inside

 

[aart]

Water candling does not always work as the chick is not always moving.

 

[Alaskan]

Thanks Alaskan! I candled the eggs again today - I have discarded all but three; which appeared much darker than the others. The chick (now named Bottichelli) is eating, has access to water (I have been at work so I have not actually seen it drink) and appears to be quite content and active. Mumma gave me a pretty good peck today when I was trying to candle the egg and also got up when Bottichelli wandered a bit too far. I think tomorrow I will try water candling the eggs before discarding (I water candled all the eggs i discarded today also, just to be sure) - I just hate the thought of discarding an egg with a chick inside

as long as you know the chick is eating and drinking you could wait a couple more days if you want.