Alright, it embarrasses me to admit to this, but the last time I hatched chicks was when I was 7, and although I know about the general process and timing, there are some fiddly parts that remain a mystery.
I am thinking of hatching some eggs this spring, and am reading up on it, but one thing eludes me and I would rather look dumb than make a mistake that could cost me baby chickens.
I have seen many pictures of hatching eggs with pencilled-in circles on them. Am I correct in assuming that people do this in order to keep track of where the embryo is in the egg? And if so, do you have to constantly change where you put the circle as you turn the egg? (I'm having hilarious visions of trying to use an eraser on a hapless egg). I know that people write initials for breeds or specific pairings, and I know that some people date the eggs if they're doing a staggered hatch, but the circles mystify me.
Please share your bountiful BYC knowledge with me, I deeply appreciate it!
I am thinking of hatching some eggs this spring, and am reading up on it, but one thing eludes me and I would rather look dumb than make a mistake that could cost me baby chickens.
I have seen many pictures of hatching eggs with pencilled-in circles on them. Am I correct in assuming that people do this in order to keep track of where the embryo is in the egg? And if so, do you have to constantly change where you put the circle as you turn the egg? (I'm having hilarious visions of trying to use an eraser on a hapless egg). I know that people write initials for breeds or specific pairings, and I know that some people date the eggs if they're doing a staggered hatch, but the circles mystify me.
Please share your bountiful BYC knowledge with me, I deeply appreciate it!