Day before float test

[Selsee]

On day 16, aka yesterday, I float tested my eggs. 2 moves which I was very happy about since I got them from the grocery store and made my own incubator.
I just wanted to ask if it’s ok that I moved them so close to their hatching day?

 

[DK newbie]

Actually it's my understanding you shouldn't float test eggs the last 3 days before hatching, as there is a risk of drowning the chicks. Float testing should only be used if the eggs are several days overdue and you want to check for signs of life before you toss them.
The real issue, as far as I know, is not moving the eggs, but the float test itself. I'm no expert though.

 

[pineapple416]

x2

 

[Selsee]

Actually it's my understanding you shouldn't float test eggs the last 3 days before hatching, as there is a risk of drowning the chicks. Float testing should only be used if the eggs are several days overdue and you want to check for signs of life before you toss them.
The real issue, as far as I know, is not moving the eggs, but the float test itself. I'm no expert though.

Oh no! I hope I didn’t drown them I didn’t keep them in the water too long though. I hope they’re ok

 

[Plip]

I think the reason for the concern is just in case there's an unseen crack in the egg near the air sac, or even an early pip. That's what I think I've read, anyway. Assuming that's not the case (and there's a good chance it's not), you should be okay.

I wouldn't float them (or move them at all) anyway. Because the chick is maneuvering around to position himself to pip at that point. And when his egg moves, well, that can frustrate him. But again, I wouldn't worry about it at this point now that it's done.

 

[Selsee]

I think the reason for the concern is just in case there's an unseen crack in the egg near the air sac, or even an early pip. That's what I think I've read, anyway. Assuming that's not the case (and there's a good chance it's not), you should be okay.

I wouldn't float them (or move them at all) anyway. Because the chick is maneuvering around to position himself to pip at that point. And when his egg moves, well, that can frustrate him. But again, I wouldn't worry about it at this point now that it's done.

Thanks! I didn’t see any crack so I think it’ll be ok

 

[JaeG]

Quail are tough little birds and I candle my own eggs daily right up to hatch sometimes. I do try and keep the eggs in the same position prior to when I expect them to hatch but sometimes I forget and move them more than I should. It happens so don't stress. Good luck!