Embryology experiment

[joe17]

My biology teacher said he used to incubate chicken eggs for 2 or 3 days and then cut a little hole on the top to watch it grow. I looked it up and found a few videos and the developing embryo looks amazing! Has anyone ever opened their eggs while they were incubating them to see development? I will try to do it soon but dont know how to exactly do it. Any info would be great!

 

[Stacykins]

I've seen this done. One must be incredibly careful to use sterile procedure. And dunking a set of forceps in alcohol is not sterilizing them, either. Most people use a sterile petrie dish as the base where the egg rests. The egg shell is protective against bacteria and other contaminants, without it, it leaves the chick vulnerable.

Edit: Spelling

 

[joe17]

How do you sterilize a dish and tweezers? Any more tips? How long will the embryo survive once I make a hole? Is there a chance of it hatching?

 

[Stacykins]

Petri dishes are sold pre sterilzed. Places where you can order medical supplies sell equipment pre sterilized, and sterile gloves that you will need. It is very possible for the chick to reach full development even with the gap in the shell removed. You don't harm the inner membrane, it is left intact and acts as a window into the egg.

 

[RioLindoAz]

Sounds like a fun and interesting experience/experiment. Make sure your incubator is nice and clean from the previous hatch before starting. Opened eggs attract bacteria like a magnet.