Setting eggs Memorial Day Weekend! :) They're hatching!!!

[Snipes]

Day 13 finished for my 9 mallard duck eggs. Every one of them having a moving duckling inside. My first hatch is going so well so far!

 

[SarahIrl]

On day 15 now and very nervous, things are very odd in the incubator, the brahmas are grwing much faster than the orps. They look like day 17 eggs. So have locked down with humidity up to just under 60% and the orps are still in the turner, but the brahmas have been stopped. Fingers crossed!

 

[Airilith]

Sarah, if it makes you feel any better I've completely stopped candling because I can't see a thing. All the eggs are just dark when I try. I'm just hoping it's due to my $3 flashlight. Haha!

 

[sequoiacyclist]

Sarah, I wonder if different breeds have different growth rates inside the egg. Maybe the brahmas grow more during the first two weeks of development and then slow towards the end. Now I am curious. All of my eggs in the bator are of the same breed, so I don't have any to compare, but it would be a good experiment. Good luck on your hatch,

I believe you are a couple of days ahead of me. Mine are due on the 19th. Just one more week....

 

[lnfcef81]

Im half way through and still have 6 out of 8, my 2 old english game bantoms were not fertile I guess, they were still clear when i candled at day 7.

 

[SarahIrl]

I don't know if they should be quicker, I'd read everywhere that chickens take 21 days. Relatively the orp chicks are bigger, but in proportion to the egg size, about 4 days behind. I reckon by weight the brahmas, especially the smaller two of the four, are about 1/2 to 2/3 the size of the orps. Anyway, have the orps still on the turner, and the brahmas in an egg carton. Humidity at just under 60% since last night. Am going to risk candling one brahma egg tonight, and will continue to check until I see an internal pip. Am quite worried to be honest. They aren't due until the 17th so should be on lockdown Monday, not yesterday!! Will take pics tonight if I dare.

 

[SarahIrl]

Ok, orp eggs first, these are all day 15 finished going into day 16.....

orp again

and now the brahmas, this one is totally full, only air sac visible

and another nearly as full

See what I mean? I have them in cartons now and I'm not touching hem again except to take the racks out for the orp eggs on Monday if they haven't popped by then. My money is on Sunday... anyone want to take a bet??

 

[Airilith]

Ok first step, deeeeep breath

You're research is correct, chicken eggs do take 21 days usually. I think what you're seeing is just differences in breed development. I wouldn't start lockdown unless you've seen an internal pip. If you haven't then just put them in lockdown on day 18, as normal.

I think that candling can get us in trouble some time.s You know when you set those eggs, right? Then you know what day there on. Keep you your schedule, unless you see internal pips.

At least that's what I would do

 

[SarahIrl]

I'll let you know when they blow, anyway. Like I said my money is on Sunday, be exciting to see!

 

[Airilith]

Quote:
I can't wait for pictures!!!!