Our First Broody and Incubator Hatch: a Diary

[BlueBaby]

Well you said that you were going to do it again Sunday with Aiden, so maybe having the 2nd pair of eyes you will be able to see better.

 

[igorsMistress]

Think this one might be good, looks like veins in there. Brown egg.

The next two pics are the same egg, brown also and not sure about status

Last brown egg

And the only blue egg I could see through

 

[BlueBaby]

Yes, that pic of the 1st one with the 2 written on it definitely has the veins going. The blue one's are a little bit trickier to see through.

 

[igorsMistress]

Yes, that pic of the 1st one with the 2 written on it definitely has the veins going. The blue one's are a little bit trickier to see through.

What about that one I have 2 pics of? Keep or toss?

 

[BlueBaby]

What about that one I have 2 pics of? Keep or toss?

Keep for now, and let Aiden help you on Sunday! Then you will see what your decision will be. Make a note that #2 is a keeper for sure.

 

[Perris]

Thanks so much for starting this thread; I am about a week behind you, motivated by the same thing - a broody hen. Maria's a lavender araucana, who apparently went broody while we were on holiday and a neighbour was looking after them. The neighbour removed the eggs daily but Maria has continued sitting on an empty nest for a week. So I found someone locally with LA hatching eggs for sale, and bought 3 to put under her. I've never had a broody or hatched before, so this is going to be quite a learning curve. I feel a lot more comfortable about it being able to read about your experiences, and as you're a week or so ahead, you and all the others commenting here will forewarn me about what to expect and potential issues. Fingers crossed for a successful or at least for keeping our broodies happy!

 

[aart]

What about that one I have 2 pics of? Keep or toss?

Keep for now, but looks like a blood ring.

Keeping the light at the air cell end lights them up better IMO.

Your wrap around hand technique looks pretty good.

When first candling it is frustrating, it can take some practice/experience.
When I first started I did so at 7-10-14-18 days.
7 days-not so much,
10 days-saw more,
14 days-even more,
18 days-good eggs will be mostly dark as they are full of chick.

 

[igorsMistress]

Thanks so much for starting this thread; I am about a week behind you, motivated by the same thing - a broody hen. Maria's a lavender araucana, who apparently went broody while we were on holiday and a neighbour was looking after them. The neighbour removed the eggs daily but Maria has continued sitting on an empty nest for a week. So I found someone locally with LA hatching eggs for sale, and bought 3 to put under her. I've never had a broody or hatched before, so this is going to be quite a learning curve. I feel a lot more comfortable about it being able to read about your experiences, and as you're a week or so ahead, you and all the others commenting here will forewarn me about what to expect and potential issues. Fingers crossed for a successful or at least for keeping our broodies happy!

Hi @Perris

I'm so glad to have another newbie to share with and excited to have littles again soon. I've read many threads on BYC in order to be prepared, but Ruby really is taking care of everything. I'm just sitting here waiting impatiently.

Good luck with your hatch and keep is updated on how it's going. Pics are always good too.

 

[igorsMistress]

Keep for now, but looks like a blood ring.

Keeping the light at the air cell end lights them up better IMO.

Your wrap around hand technique looks pretty good.

When first candling it is frustrating, it can take some practice/experience.
When I first started I did so at 7-10-14-18 days.
7 days-not so much,
10 days-saw more,
14 days-even more,
18 days-good eggs will be mostly dark as they are full of chick.

Thanks for the tip about trying from the air cell end. We will try that Sunday night instead of sideways like the first time.

It was a bit frustrating not knowing what I was looking at. You're right though, we will learn as we go. I'm thinking a smaller light might work better too.

 

[aart]

I'm thinking a smaller light might work better too.

It might, as long as you can wrap your fingers around to stop the light from 'leaking' between light and egg. Fresh batteries are always good idea. Candling in as dark a place as possible really helps, and be careful not to 'light blind' yourself by looking at the light.

I candle in a windowless room(lavatory) that is conveniently close to the incubator, so can do it anytime of day, I put a ~dozen in a foam carton to take in there. With a broody ya gotta wait until way after dark(yawn) and douse any lights the may brighten the coop ambiance.