Silkie Eggs

[Bevzgurl]

I have just acquired some silkies and with them came 4 eggs from a broody hen. I was told that she had been sitting for about a week but by the looks of the eggs I am thinking a little longer. My issue is I don't want to stop turning them too early but what would the outcome be if they kept being turned until they pip?

 

[JaeG]

Just before they pip internally the air cell will pull down on one side and develop quite a slant. I'd keep an eye out for this stage (there's nothing wrong with having a quick candling check every day) and stop turning then. Alternatively you could turn them for a few more days then leave them. Turning is really essential for the first week and after that it isn't quite so important.

Candle the eggs and use a chart, such as this one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/development-of-a-chicken-embryo-day-by-day.72537/
or this one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/
to try and judge what stage they are at.

Good luck with them. Silkie chicks are so cute.

 

[Bevzgurl]

Just before they pip internally the air cell will pull down on one side and develop quite a slant. I'd keep an eye out for this stage (there's nothing wrong with having a quick candling check every day) and stop turning then. Alternatively you could turn them for a few more days then leave them. Turning is really essential for the first week and after that it isn't quite so important.

Candle the eggs and use a chart, such as this one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/development-of-a-chicken-embryo-day-by-day.72537/
or this one: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ion-through-incubation-of-chicken-eggs.47879/
to try and judge what stage they are at.

Good luck with them. Silkie chicks are so cute.

Thank you for that It is only the 2nd time I have incubated so have lots to learn.