How to tell the stage of incubation

[Tretinker]

Hi all,

Is there anyway or anyone that can figure out the age of an egg during incubation.

Marshmallow is sat on eggs we don't know what stages they are only that they are 9+ as it was last Wednesday when we realised she had eggs.

I've been looking at examples online and it's very difficult. Two of them look like they could be days away from hatch, one I'm guessing 9/10 days and the last one maybe 14 days but I'm completely guessing with zero experience.

We might be able to borrow an incubator if marshmallow doesn't stay on them once they start hatch so I'll need some idea for lockdown from what I've read.

I'll attach pictures

 

[Tretinker]

Oh and husband is the hand, he can feel 1 and 2 moving lots, 4 a little, he wasn't sure about 3.

 

[Yardmom]

Chances are the reason they appear to be different stages is that they are. Do you have other hens that are laying? Hens often put their eggs in with broodies. I would suggest putting the humidity around 55 when the first chick internally pips. That way the others will still loose moisture, but the hatchers should be able to make it out.

 

[Tonyroo]

This might help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

 

[Tretinker]

Chances are the reason they appear to be different stages is that they are. Do you have other hens that are laying? Hens often put their eggs in with broodies. I would suggest putting the humidity around 55 when the first chick internally pips. That way the others will still loose moisture, but the hatchers should be able to make it out.

Oh yes they are definitely at different stages and these are all her sisters eggs.

They are under marshmallow right now and we are leaving them with her. But she's might come off the nest before they all hatch so I was trying to see if there is a way to tell how far along they are.

 

[Tretinker]

This might help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

I wish I could see this clearly! I tend to blind myself instead

 

[Tonyroo]

You have to use a strong light especially on colored eggs.

 

[Tretinker]

You have to use a strong light especially on colored eggs.

I think we are doing it wrong because the torch it super Powerful, super dooper powerful

 

[Yardmom]

Put the light on the air cell end in a way that no light escapes the egg. Depending on the light size and shape if you can do that directly on the egg or need a tube of some sort in-between.

 

[Tretinker]

Put the light on the air cell end in a way that no light escapes the egg. Depending on the light size and shape if you can do that directly on the egg or need a tube of some sort in-between.

Brilliant thank you, I'll give that a try!