SIlly Question...

[Pele]

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!

 

[loupan]

Hi im a newbie at hatching to generally people mark the eggs with a x on one side and an o on the other so you can keep track of turning your egg i keep a logbook also to keep an eye on temp,humidity and each turn

 

[cmom]

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X2

 

[bikerchic]

If the penciling you are referring to is around the top of the egg, its because they are keeping up with the change in the aircell. I mark mine occassionally to make sure they are loosing mositure.

 

[Pele]

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Welcome to BYC! Lol I knew it would be something that was just common sense that I was missing. That is a really great idea! I will definitely do that with my hatch.

I can't wait to post about the hatch on this thread.