Hatching eggs

[jennyhenny54]

Good morning. So I have 2 questions. First...I have a hen who has decided to nest, but I have 2 young roosters who are trying to "date" the ladies and I am not sure they are "getting the job done". Lol how long do I wait to check the eggs? And can I do it with a flashlight or candle? 2nd question...I have a chicken laying this enormous egg every now and then and am not sure who it is...was thinking maybe my Sapphire Gem?? She is a big girl! Lol! Thank you guys for all your help!

 

[ChickensAndYoga]

Hi there. The only way to check for fertility is to crack one open and check the yolk for a bullseye. Be sure to collect all your hatching eggs in a carton until you have as many as you need. Store them at room temp with narrow end down and large end up. Turn them at least once a day by sliding a book under one end of the carton, then the other. Don't store eggs longer than 7 days if you can help it.

While you collect eggs you can either keep a few "sacrificial eggs" under her that you will toss and replace with the eggs you want. Or buy some ceramic eggs to trick her.

Mark all of your eggs before placing them under her so you know if any other hens added to the clutch when she gets up to eat .You remove the gifts lol

Good luck.

 

[jennyhenny54]

Thank you. I was wondering if you can check the eggs to see if they are developing. And when to check them.

 

[ChickensAndYoga]

Yes! You can candle. If you go back to the main incubation/hatching thread with all the post titles there's one at the top by Sally Sunshine with all the info you need!

 

[ChickensAndYoga]

Here it is https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-sunshine-hosts-bantychooks-and-more.1137467/

 

[jennyhenny54]

Here it is https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-sunshine-hosts-bantychooks-and-more.1137467/

Thank you!!