Our First Broody and Incubator Hatch: a Diary

[igorsMistress]

We candled the eggs in the incubator tonight. We thought we saw reaction to the light but weren't sure. Aiden is going to research that and let me know if it's possible to see movement at this stage. I love it when he's in to science and nature

@tjo804 we used the chart you shared while we candled and Aiden was really interested in the development. It helped him visualize what he should be able to see and he's certain all 3 eggs are doing well. Thank you much!

 

[BlueBaby]

We candled the eggs in the incubator tonight. We thought we saw reaction to the light but weren't sure. Aiden is going to research that and let me know if it's possible to see movement at this stage. I love it when he's in to science and nature

@tjo804 we used the chart you shared while we candled and Aiden was really interested in the development. It helped him visualize what he should be able to see and he's certain all 3 eggs are doing well. Thank you much!

Yes, you would be seeing movement. The bright light shining in bothers them and they move trying to get away from it, so do it as quickly as possible.

 

[igorsMistress]

Yes, you would be seeing movement. The bright light shining in bothers them and they move trying to get away from it, so do it as quickly as possible.

I'm still going to let Aiden research that but I'm pretty sure all 3 eggs are alive then. Thanks!

 

[aart]

Did you candle incubator eggs or broody eggs?
How old is Aiden(your grandson?)?
I just did a hatch and was able to share it with 2 kids(8yo and 14yo) who were visiting a friend, so cool to see the wonder in their eyes.
The younger one was interested in all the details and got to see some at the pipping stage and a few in the brooder already. The teen got to see candling movement the week before and hold chicks the week after.

 

[igorsMistress]

We candled incubator eggs. The broody eggs are blue and I couldn't see much in them. I checked her eggs yesterday, none were stinky and all are intact so I left them for her.

Aiden is 9. He loves science and animals so this is right up his alley.

 

[igorsMistress]

Ruby switched nest boxes a second time so I took her eggs. She is sitting on 1 egg from one of the other girls and I'll switch it out nightly until we have chicks or until lockdown, haven't decided.

Put the mister in the coop in front of the fan. I don't like it, but it should be just a few days and then back to just the fan. It's still hot in there, 115* already, but I can feel cooler air blowing toward her. Will turn off the water at lockup each night.

Incubator humidity dropped to 38% when I added the eggs, but it's up to 47% now. Used my contraption to add water, but I think there's good reason to drill a hole for some tubing and cap it. If hatching becomes a thing I'm definitely going to make the modification.

 

[aart]

Adding water is a PITA.
This worked good for me.
A siphon bottle, a piece of house plant irrigation tubing, and a piece of silicone aquarium tubing to connect them. Will go thru the tiny vent holes in the foamies.

I now have a Incuview incubator and the bottom mesh is 1/8",
some of us got these to add water. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075H5HQ94/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I cut off the luer lock and the metal needle tubing fit into irrigation tubing on my siphon bottle.

 

[tjo804]

Congratulations!
I loved candling with the Grandchildren because never fail each time, each egg I still feel the excitement and wonder also.

There are a lot of great articles here one on day by day development I am thinking I will use to say on the chart what is happening inside when they get their beak and feet and feathers oh my I love incubating and hatching!

 

[igorsMistress]

Current temp is 116* in the coop, but the thermometer is nailed to the coop frame. Ruby has turned herself so she can feel the cool breeze from the fan entering the front of her nest box I clipped a digital thermometer/hygrometer to the vent on her box to get a second opinion on how warm it is in her exact location.

I'm going to wait until after work and see if she wants some cucumber. Crazy chicken

 

[igorsMistress]

104* and 21% humidity according to the digital thermometer right at the nest box and no panting