Rillowens first Hatch-Along! FOOD THEME

[Rillowen]

I never thought to candle an unincubated egg to show the difference. What a great idea! I usually sit on my hands until day 7, only because I personally can’t identify much until then. But it will be so neat to candle each day, and see the day to day development! This is neat because in just 3 days, you’ll see a black dot (eye), obvious veins, and movement if you’re lucky!! How fun!

Seeing the difference is great, its kind of the whole point! I am very much looking forward to being able to see an eye, although we may have to use a better flashlight. I was also planning on photographing each time so we can make a timeliness at the end. We are talking about the biology of it as we go so the kids can see how it works, yay for homeschool projects!

 

[tviss711]

Seeing the difference is great, its kind of the whole point! I am very much looking forward to being able tobsee an eye, although we may have to use a better flashlight. I was also planning on photographing each time so we can make a timeliness at the end. We are talking about the biology of it as we go so the kids can see how it works, yay for homeschool projects!

I did the same with my class! It’s so neat to chart and track the growth. If you have quick shipping, I can’t recommend the magicfly candler enough. I was using the built in candler on my incubator, but it wasn’t bright enough for blue or dark eggs, and this year I ordered the magicfly and it made a world of difference. It’s super bright without getting hot, and has a removable rubber top that helps keep the egg in place while candling and makes a good seal so the light goes through the egg. I just got the cheaper version that needs to be plugged in to use it, I think I got it for 18 on Amazon. But a nice bright flashlight should also do the trick!

 

[Rillowen]

I did the same with my class! It’s so neat to chart and track the growth. If you have quick shipping, I can’t recommend the magicfly candler enough. I was using the built in candler on my incubator, but it wasn’t bright enough for blue or dark eggs, and this year I ordered the magicfly and it made a world of difference. It’s super bright without getting hot, and has a removable rubber top that helps keep the egg in place while candling and makes a good seal so the light goes through the egg. I just got the cheaper version that needs to be plugged in to use it, I think I got it for 18 on Amazon. But a nice bright flashlight should also do the trick!

Those pictures were take with my phone flashlight candling, it's small and has that raised lip to help seal, I have a 1in LED flashlight with a raised lip we will try next time though, I want to make sure it's bright enough to actually be able to see the details. Buying a special candle is not in the budget im afraid, but I think we will be ok without it.

 

[tviss711]

Those pictures were take with my phone flashlight candling, it's small and has that raised lip to help seal, I have a 1in LED flashlight with a raised lip we will try next time though, I want to make sure it's bright enough to actually be able to see the details. Buying a special candle is not in the budget im afraid, but I think we will be ok without it.

You will absolutely be okay without it! Especially if most of your eggs are cream/brown. My first two hatches were fine with a simple LED, I got great pictures with just that.

I only had to upgrade for my blue and olive eggs this last time around! Those are remarkably difficult to see into. Otherwise I would have just stuck with my trusty LED!

 

[redinator]

https://thehomesteadingrd.com/candling-chicken-eggs-day-by-day/

 

[Rillowen]

You will absolutely be okay without it! Especially if most of your eggs are cream/brown. My first two hatches were fine with a simple LED, I got great pictures with just that.

I only had to upgrade for my blue and olive eggs this last time around! Those are remarkably difficult to see into. Otherwise I would have just stuck with my trusty LED!

I'm glad to get the confirmation, we only have brown and cream eggs. I will just use the LED without worry then. In future years it will hopefully be more cream as we want to transition to an almost entirely dorking flock. We are also using the chickens and garden to teach about sustainability and heritage. We think its good for them to see what chickens looked like before they were bread for meat or eggs only (and the garden equivalents).

 

[redinator]

Update! All is going well, still struggling with the humidity, is it ok to swing between 30 and 60 often??? I'm managing to average about 40, but it spikes for hours up to 60, then I let it drop to 30 for about the same amount of time to help even it out...

This is why I switched to dry hatching instead of a traditional hatch, with a dry hatch you only add water during lockdown. I would always end up adding too much water and then end up with wild swings in humidity.

 

[redinator]

This is why I switched to dry hatching instead of a traditional hatch, with a dry hatch you only add water during lockdown. I would always end up adding too much water and then end up with wild swings in humidity.View attachment 4299848

Also with a dry hatch "serial candlers" like myself don't have to worry about the humidity dropping when we pull a few eggs

 

[redinator]

@Rillowen any eggs left to name? I see you have an Etouffee, but I don't see a Gumbo or Jambalaya.

 

[Rillowen]

@Rillowen any eggs left to name? I see you have an Etouffee, but I don't see a Gumbo or Jambalaya.

We have tons available! Any numbers open on the list on pg 1 that tickle your fancy?