How Do I Know If Eggs Are Fertile?

[Jan336]

I am planning on getting an incubator because my Rooster has been active with the ladies. I have checked their eggs before this with a flashlight, and only get speckled white blobs.

1. How will I know when a egg is honestly fertile and safe to place in the incubator?
2. How long from egg sitting on nest is it safe to put in the incubator?
3. Do I need to wash the eggs before incubation?
4. Is a flashlight powerful enough to reveal a fertile egg?
5. What exactly do I need to identify in a egg just laid for fertility?
6. Will the egg show fertility upon release/laying from Hen?

Just some "NEWBIE" questions. Thanks to anyone who can help!

 

[ghillie]

Quote:
1 You can only tell by cracking it open and seeing the "bullseye". Do a search on here for a pic
2 After 6 or 7 days they start to lose viability
3 Do not wash eggs, will take away bloom and allow bacteria to enter. Scape off with finger nail or fine emery. Do not set dirty eggs
4 see #1
5 see #1
6 no see #1

after 7 days in the incubator you can candle to see if the embryo is growing. hope this helps

 

[josh]

Quote:
1.5.6. The only way to know is crack it open and look for the bullseye.
4. Depends on color of egg and strenght of light.
3. NO. Just whipe of excess poo.
2. You can put it straight in the bator. But you will probably want to collect a few before you set.

 

[Davaroo]

Good answers - cant add much.

You do know you can eat fertile eggs, too, right?