How do i choose my eggs for hatching

[swords75xlh]

this was a great link but i didn't see it there

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/102281/coturnix-quail-basics-information-and-pictures-galore

 

[James the Bald]

You didn't say what type of quail you were looking for, but check out this link.

 

[swords75xlh]

thank you, but what i ment was when my birds start laying how do i keep the best eggs to hatch ( jumbo browns )

 

[James the Bald]

Well, if the males are doing their part, after the first week you can start collecting eggs for hatching.

 

[swords75xlh]

ok so what do i need to look for when i candel them

 

[SavageChick]

How To Choose Eggs For Hatching....

When selecting eggs for hatching, it is important to consider the size and shape of the eggs. Good quality hatching eggs will have a smooth and even-colored appearance. They will not be over-pointed or over-round but will have the classically ideal egg shape. Additionally, do not select eggs with lime bulbs and rings, or eggs that are non-symmetrical. Eggs with these conditions tend to produce unhealthy embryos. When hens first come into lay and their internal egg production system is beginning to get fit, they may lay misshapen eggs with poor quality thin and rough shells. These eggs are no good for setting.

Very thin or cracked shells are also something to be wary of when selecting hatching eggs. A thin shell can mean the egg will have difficulty retaining the proper moisture needed when the egg is incubating. If the shell is cracked, there is an increased possibility that disease organisms will penetrate the shell and infect the embryo.

Only clean eggs that are free of droppings or soil should be selected. Eggs should not be washed or wiped clean because this could remove the protective coating on the egg shells. Another reason to avoid washing the eggs is the fact that the rubbing and washing of the chicken eggs could force disease organisms through the pores of the shells.

Probably the most critical step in selecting hatching eggs is to ensure the health and vitality of the breeder pair that produced the eggs. A vitamin/mineral deficiency in the laying hen will be evident in weak and/or deformed chicks.

Depending on the type of bird you are hatching, there are varying time frames for how long you can store eggs prior to setting them. I am not familiar with Jumbo Browns, so hopefully someone can chime in and include/add to this list for you.

 

[swords75xlh]

thank you i might have the name wrong they call them all types around here

 

[Sycamore27]

You won't be able to tell from looking at a freshly laid egg what its fertility for hatching will be, if everything is right with your roos and hens and the shells look good you just have to set them and see what happens!

After you've collected your eggs for hatching (no more than 10 days old kept at about 60f) and have your incubator up and running you wait until 3-5 days in to candle and look for veins forming in the egg. Here is a thread with great pictures, though keep in mind the timeline for quail is different of course and quail eggs are a lot harder to see through with their spots and all- https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...g-candling-pics-progression-though-incubation

Good luck!
Jessie

 

[SavageChick]

You're welcome, Swords - hope it helps. One thing I should mention, however, is that there is some disagreement about washing the eggs. Some hatcheries do wash them and spray them with a disinfectant prior to setting them in the incubator. I have never washed my eggs, so I can't say from experience which is the more favorable approach on this issue. Maybe someone else can offer their opinion on this for you.

 

[gpresdo]

You're welcome, Swords - hope it helps. One thing I should mention, however, is that there is some disagreement about washing the eggs. Some hatcheries do wash them and spray them with a disinfectant prior to setting them in the incubator. I have never washed my eggs, so I can't say from experience which is the more favorable approach on this issue. Maybe someone else can offer their opinion on this for you.

We spray chicken eggs with hydrogen peroxide before incubating. We get a better hatch.