Fertilized Eggs Question

[SweetLilRachy00]

So I have never hatched eggs before. I have raised my chickens from day old chicks...They are now laying and my one roo is having a field day with his 11 gals!

I was thinking of picking and choosing an egg or two to try to incubate. Is there a good way to try to guess which ones are fertile? I know you can candle them, but that's only days afterwards isn't it? Do most people just put a bunch in the 'bater and wait to see what happens? I don't have a 'bater yet...either...btw... lol The chickens don't sit on their eggs. They just drop 'em and go!

So I would need to make one I guess...

Hmm...wonder when my silkies will go broody, they could do all the work!

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

If they are thick shelled and big dark eggs it would be hard to candle for fertility..
Just wait for a silkie to go broody and give her some eggs. Do not give her to many.
Silkies are good mothers but I have had some that don't get it right the first time.
And if they have to many big eggs to try to cover then you looses some.
3-5 eggs for a new mother is good.

 

[silkiechicken]

I'd just get a bator just in case anways since if you get one broody and she gives up 2 weeks in, it's hard to let the eggs go. You can't tell fertility though a shell without incubation first. Just pick a dozen, and toss them in an incubator and away you go!

 

[SweetLilRachy00]

Thanks

"You can't tell fertility though a shell without incubation first. "

That was my initial question, just not worded as good!

My silkies are still babies!! Only like 18 wk(i lost count) so they probably still have a while yet! Will see about a bater...gotta extend their coopt his weekend first!