Set Jan 29, Hatch Feb 19/20 Join Me!

[fivestring]

I just candled. This is day 11.

I removed 5 eggs out of 41. I wasn't really sure about 2 of those 5 but I removed them anyway. Now my inquisitive DD is outside opening each one to see what's inside. So I am left with 36 that I'm pretty sure are developing. I used the 3 LED flashlight but it wasn't any too bright, especially on the darker maran eggs.

 

[nuts4chickens]

Fivestring- did the cracked open eggs end up being what u thought they were? My dd cracked open our bad eggs too. I was too "chicken" to do it..
Only had to cull 5? That's awesome!

 

[fivestring]

No, she cracked open the first two. She claims the first one was looking at her and the second one was squirming. She didn't open the last 3.

I didn't go look but she claims they were viable birds but we really don't know for sure. All I know is those 5 were quite translucent compared to all the rest. Live and learn.

 

[SpeckledPullet]

Quote:
I am sorry to hear that, but glad you posted. I was thinking off tossing 3 that sound like this, but was undecided. You made up my mind for me! I will leave them in the bator. I am like you and not brave enough to look when I do finally cull some of mine. That would break my heart to see a baby! I am so sorry.

Here is what I found when I candled today (day 10).

#1. Cochin - OBVIOUS movement! Yeah! Looks like a good, healthy embryo and good sized air sac.
#2. SLW - Looks translucent compared to the others, but undecided due to a cloudy mass in the middle. Will leave in for now.
#3. SLW - same as above
#4. BLRW - shell too thick to see much, but very dark in most of the egg and has an obvious air sac.
#5. Cochin - I think this one is dead. There is a small dot that float in it, so I assume it is a blood spot. Still undecided, so leaving it in for now.
#6. BLRW - Shell was very thick, but I saw what looked like an embryo. I couldn't tell if it was moving or not. Obvious air sac.
#7. BLRW - Shell too thick, but very dark and obvious air sac.
#8. BLRW - same as above
#9. BLRW - same as above
#10. SLW - same as above
#11. BLRW - Looks translucent compared to others, but undecided due to a cloudy mass in the middle. Will leave for now.
#12. BLRW - obvious veins, obvious embryo. Good air sac, but couldn't see any movement.
#13. SLW - OBVIOUS movement!! Another good, healthy baby inside!

One of my babies is mismarked in breed. I should have 3 cochin and 6 BLRW, so I need to double check on which two I mixed up the breeds on.

 

[nuts4chickens]

One of our "bad" eggs was actually not "bad" either. Some of mine were more transluscent too. But we actually saw movement in one so we put it back. Must be a cool spot in my bator or something? We call it the retarded egg. I'll be anxious to see if it really hatches.

 

[SpeckledPullet]

Quote:
LMAO! If it hatches, you should continue to call him/her "Retarded Egg" since it has such a ring to it.

 

[fivestring]

I would have like to put the questionable ones back in but I have read of folks losing all their eggs due to one bad egg exploding and spreading bacteria throught the incubator.

I have so much to learn.

 

[nuts4chickens]

Fivestring- We're learning right along with you. My retarded egg will probly explode all over my bator! And then we can add that to the "learnt" list, too! Lol!

 

[Grace'sDad]

Just stopped by to say HI. I am going to try to visit every thread I can during February. Good luck on your hatch

 

[fivestring]

I ordered a new flashlight today. If it is as bright as it claims, it should be great for candling. I'll keep you posted.

When we get to day 18 for "lockdown" I think they call it, are any of you planning on placing your eggs in an egg carton or just laying them on the wire floor? I like the idea of the egg cartons to keep the eggs in one place while they hatch out. Somewhere I read it also helps contain the mess and make cleanup easier. My only concern is I don't want to hamper the chick's efforts in getting out of the shells.

Any thoughts?


nus4chickens, I think my bator has a cool side and a warm side, even with the computer fan running in there. If you recall, I have 3 thermometers in there and I'm pretty sure the left side is reading about 2° cooler than the right.