Strange air space in incubating silkie eggs?

[Ausdotte]

In our incubator we had 34 wyandotte eggs and 12 silkies, we candled them at 11 days and most looked okay, we just candled them again today at 16 days and while most the wyandottes still looked okay most of the silkies had a weird shape air space, like it wasn't symmetrical but very dipped on one side.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Were these shipped eggs? They look like saddle eggs.

 

[WVduckchick]

The membrane has slightly pulled away from the inner shell. Also looks like some drawdown, which is what happens when they get into hatching position. Day 16 is a little early, but not unheard of. You may have some early hatchers!

 

[Ausdotte]

Yes they were shipped, so even with this saddle thing some might survive?

 

[WVduckchick]

Yes they were shipped, so even with this saddle thing some might survive?

Sure! If they have made it this far, they have a very good chance!

If you lockdown with them laying down, i suggest that you look for the "actual" air cell, try to look past the saddled part, and draw a line (literally or just in your head) as to where the round/oval part of the air cell really is. Then lay the lowest dip of the real air cell facing upward.
I hope that makes sense lol

 

[AlleysChicks]

I had 2/5 hatch. 3 pipped at the small end and didn't make it.

That you have a better hatch than I did. I suggest you lay them down flat.

 

[Ausdotte]

So this is what they look like sitting up in the incubator, on lockdown should I try and take out the turners and have them more horizontal?

 

[WVduckchick]

Yes i would take the turner out. More because of possible injuries that can happen if you leave it in.

 

[AlleysChicks]

I like the size of that turner! Where did you get it?

And keep us posted on the chicks please. When are they due?

 

[Ausdotte]

I bought the incubator on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-59-E...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

This is only my second batch of eggs, the first lot I left the turner in while they hatched and it was painful watching them trying to stagger around on it and getting stuck everywhere.
Chicks are due on Monday.