Is my Rooster doing his job?

[Mark Armstrong]

Hello folks, I'm wondering if my rooster is doing his job, I'm currently incubating a dozen eggs, I started them on the 18th-19th, I candled last night, 26th, can't see any evidence of embryo formation, is there something I can look for to see if he is mating with the hens, I have seen no broody signs from the hens, Thanks

 

[rjohns39]

Short of actually seeing him do his deed its uncertain. Sometimes veining show's up later than expected, but that's a good sign that the eggs are developing. How old is he and how old are the girls? Young ones sometimes take a bit of time to get it right.

 

[Mark Armstrong]

Both the roo and hens are around 9 mos. thanks

 

[lazy gardener]

Next time you crack an egg into a frying pan, take a look!

http://horseshoe.farm/eggs-fertilized/

 

[sourland]

If the eggs are dark shelled it sometimes takes longer to note development.

 

[Ridgerunner]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/candling-pics-progression-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/

Have you looked at this article in the Learning Center above? It’s buried a few layers under the Articles tab. Depending in how dark shelled your eggs are and how good your candling set-up is you might not be able to see much of anything or it could be really clear. With my dark green eggs I’m lucky to see an air cell early on, let alone veining. If your eggs are white it should be pretty easy if you are in a really dark room and have a strong light with new batteries.

When you crack an egg to look for the bull’s eye the evidence may be on the bottom, out of sight. Very carefully turn the egg over, I use a spoon, if you don’t see anything on top.