How does candling and temperature drops work?

[GothChick]

I know everyone says to candle your eggs, but I am also told that any change in egg temp can be fatal. Wouldn't taking each egg in and out of the incubator drop the eggs temperature as well as drop the overall temperature in the incubator? This is my first try hatching eggs and I have over $100 worth of eggs and don't want to screw it up and lose them.

 

[Muggsmagee]

You don't want to leave the eggs out for a long period of time. The eggs will retain some heat while you candle them. You'll notice it won't take you longer than a few seconds to candle each egg. I take out 2 at a time and close the bator. They are out less than 20 seconds, but you have up to a few minutes before you would do harm. Candling will help you to see development, and if there are some that have blood rings and gone "bad" they should be taken out, because if they explode they could ruin the rest. I usually candle at the 10 day mark and leave them until I put them in lockdown on day 18. I also have $100 worth of eggs that are going into lockdown tonight. I candled them all 4 days ago...there were 12 that weren't fertile and 2 with blood rings. I have a hydrometer in there that I trust (it hasn't failed after hatching 100's of eggs) that has both temp and humidity levels.

Candling is such a cool experience...don't worry. If there was an adverse affect on the developing embryo, no one would sacrifice their beloved eggs to do it. Enjoy the process. Good luck with your hatch!

 

[tallyho]

Mama birds will come off the nest periodically to eat, poop, socialize and get some sunshine. I caught mine off many-a-day. She was often off for 20 minutes at least. A few minutes out of the incubator won't hurt. Besides it's way too cool to not do it. The only downside is if you candle once you won't be able to leave them alone!

 

[BayouPoules]

Quote:
It's true! It's true! Candling is addictive.