Incubator Egg Markings

[skcrosthwait]

I see pictures of peoples eggs when they are incubating them and they have writing on them. I was curious what people typically write on them. I know those who dont have an automatic turner will mark an X & O on either end to track the turning. I assume most people just write the breed or color? Do you typically use a pencil to mark them? I want to make sure the lead is not harmful to the chick.

 

[yourhighness]

People use SHARPIES and it's still safe. The "lead" (graphite) definitely won't hurt them

 

[GreenGoddess]

Some people write the date of when the egg was collected, breed and sometimes when they candle, they will outline the air cell to make sure it is not too large or small depending on where they are in development... Pencil is the best thing to use since it will not penetrate the shell as a marker would and much easier to write than a pen would be...

Goddess

 

[babsbag]

Good question about what to mark with. I wondered the same thing.

My broodie wears off the pencil markings. Silly girl. I marked them because the other hens lay eggs in her nest and I needed to know which ones to collect. I have marked them twice and it keeps disappearing. I am afraid to use Sharpies. Are there really members out there using those things? I was worried they would penetrate the membrane.

 

[chickenwhisperer]

I use a ball-point pen to write the set date/time and type of chicken(if known).

I figured out to use the writing to put the egg back in the same position after candling too

 

[Opa]

Pencil will fade or rub off. Sharpies cause absolutely no problem. The ink will not penetrate the shell. I alway mark each egg with a letter indicating breed and date laid. Plus it will give the chicks something to read while waiting to hatch.

 

[silkiechicken]

I usually write on them with pencil. As long as it's not a hen incubating the eggs, I don' t have a rubbing off problem. I like to put faces on my eggs .

 

[yourhighness]

I've never heard of any problem at all with sharpies- professionals do it too. I use pencil though since I don't have to work with a hen

 

[pdsavage]

Quote:
Early styluses were made of lead. Today we still call the core of a pencil the "lead" even though it is made from nontoxic graphite.

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi! Thanks for the giggle, Silkiechicken!
I use a Sharpie to mark 'eggs for hatching':

edited: Oh,

"I was curious what people typically write on them..."

The 'date laid' and 'breed or cross' on one side and if I set them, 'set date' is on the top and other side.

Lisa​