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- #51
So...the hatch is over and there are 19 fluffballs in the brooder! All of the green/blue/olive (and shades in between) eggs hatched, except the very badly cracked one , and included refrigerated ones. The brown eggs didn't fare as well - a couple did hatch on their own, but I had to assist one that had retained too much moisture (even though I incubate on the dry side) and four didn't hatch. Interestingly, most of those had been refrigerated, too. Perhaps different effects of refrigeration on darker-shelled eggs vs. lighter? Would be interesting to see if these results are borne out in a scientifically-conducted experiment.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the results and the experience has definitely altered my perspective on washed and refrigerated eggs. To those who hesitate to try incubating them, I say "go forth and hatch"!
The first chick hatched almost a day earlier than the rest and I think she's irresistibly cute (in my experience, though, most first hatchers have been boys...hope it doesn't hold true here ).
Overall, I'm very pleased with the results and the experience has definitely altered my perspective on washed and refrigerated eggs. To those who hesitate to try incubating them, I say "go forth and hatch"!
The first chick hatched almost a day earlier than the rest and I think she's irresistibly cute (in my experience, though, most first hatchers have been boys...hope it doesn't hold true here ).
I do typically perform eggtopsies, but didn't on these (they're in the freezer until I can dispose of them). When I candled them last night, the air cells looked fairly large, but it also looked like there may have been fluid in there. It would match what I saw with the chick from the brown egg that I assisted: too much fluid, the chicks may have drowned. With too much fluid (as you know), the chicks are often too large to turn and hatch properly, too. Next time, I'll incubate the dark eggs separately with lower humidity...another lesson learned, like not incubating large and small eggs together. 
).
