Float Test Question(s)

[LukeandAli]

I just float tested my 18 eggs (they are about 12 days along) and I'm a bit confused. How accurate is float testing?

I had 10 "pass" the float test, 7 "fail" the float test, and 1 that sunk a tiny bit and just floated right under the surface of the water (What's that all about?). Some of the ones that "failed" are eggs that I'm pretty sure are viable. And some of the ones that "passed" are eggs that I thought might not even be fertile (after candling).
Anyone have some great wisdom to impart to me?

 

[SierraView]

I've never heard of float testing until your eggs are overdue past the 21 days. At 12 days you should be able to candle to see viable eggs. A 12 day embryo won't be strong enough for movement to see the egg moving in a float test. Putting the egg in water could possible contaminate a fraglie embryo. Just my opinion, someone else my offer some insight.

Hope you have a great hatch.

 

[LukeandAli]

Oh, no! I hope I didn't hurt them! I'd heard that you could float test after 9 days. Sink=no good. Float=good. Eek! Help!

 

[SierraView]

All you can do is keep them incubating and candle again at 18 before lock down. The float test is used to check for movement. If your eggs are on say day 23 and some haven't hatched you can float test and see if the egg moves in the water, this means the chick is alive still.

 

[chiqita]

float testing is mostly to see if the egg has dehydrated too much to hatch, from what I understand. Ive only used it at teh end so i don't get rid of eggs that are still viable.

It may be useable for other things, but i haven't used it for anything else.

 

[LukeandAli]

Thanks! I tossed 6 eggs today that were either not fertile (3), didn't make it past the bloodline stage (2), or quit early (1). I'm hoping to take the remaining 12 to lockdown on Thursday evening!