x2
I don't spend a lot of time or effort or money (I use a Dollar Store LED flashlight) on candling either.
I get the same results as fisherlady, and that works for me too.
Maybe someday I'll get motivated to see claws, and bill, and stuff...but eh...I've got other things to do right now like deciding who's acting broody enough for more eggs, and what eggs I'll put under. Right now Buckeyes and Rhodebars are top of the list.
Lady of McCamley
I don't spend a lot of time or money candling either. Sometimes I candle, sometimes I don't. I try to candle on day 17-18 if the broody cooperates. In the incubator, I'll candle when I lock down, but usually I'm not sure what I'm looking at. If an egg is definitely good, I can tell, but sometimes the egg is too dark, or I just can't see well enough to tell. Unless it's mushy, it goes back under or into the bator. I usually only let the incubator go 2 days past first hatch unless I hear something. I let my broody sit as long as she wants to unless nothing hatches, then I'll try to give her some chicks after day 24-25 to get her off the nest. Anyway, don't spend a lot of time or effort on candling, I guess it's just not my thing, I like surprises.

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