To candle or not to candle?

[gpresdo]

Thank you so much! That's really helpful definitely going to do that with my batch!
Can you do it half way through an incubation?

One could but, if the eggs are already exposed from previous touching...not sure if it would have a + effect. I don't see it would hurt.....but, your call.

 

[goat114]

Got that app too! But it does tell to candle quite a few times, so I thought I should check. So basically the less candling the better? Did you friend do a candle before her lock down candle aswell? Thank you for the help

yes my friend only candled twice hoping they hatch soon

 

[goat114]

Just got home from helping a friend cut tree branches off her roof and fence.
None have hatched yet fingers crossed they hatch

 

[connieconnie]

Just got home from helping a friend cut tree branches off her roof and fence.
None have hatched yet fingers crossed they hatch

 

[Kakaruk]

Hi y'all! This is a helpful post. I jumped the gun and candled early, day 4, and I think all are viable. On the other hand, it's so early. After reading this post I think I will do again maybe day 9-10 and then once before lockdown.

Humidity? I think there are so many different ideas, I am confused about humidity. What average humidity would you all say is the best both before lockdown and then during lockdown?

 

[Punkybrewster]

I do 30-40% until day 18 then 60-70 lockdown and have great hatches.

 

[connieconnie]

I do 30-40% until day 18 then 60-70 lockdown and have great hatches.

x2

 

[connieconnie]

sadly I found out that my old incubator had problems, creating hot and cold patches. Only one egg hatched from 24 eggs (20 of which were fertile), and it was a miracle chick as it hatched even though malpositioned. The other eggs that made it to lock down died in the egg as they were unable to pip due to malpositions.

We've named the miracle chick Noodle. He's a super sweet cream legbar boy!

I've now ditched the old incubator and bought a Brinsea Maxi II EX! Hopefully will have better luck next time!

 

[connieconnie]

Hi y'all! This is a helpful post. I jumped the gun and candled early, day 4, and I think all are viable. On the other hand, it's so early. After reading this post I think I will do again maybe day 9-10 and then once before lockdown.

Humidity? I think there are so many different ideas, I am confused about humidity. What average humidity would you all say is the best both before lockdown and then during lockdown?

That's great, super lucky to have all of them being fertile!

Sounds like a good plan. Good luck!

When you candle, also check the air sacs. If they are too small in comparison to the chart bellow, decrease humidity a bit, and if they are too large, up the humidity a bit:

 

[Kakaruk]

Thanks all, very helpful! I'm having a little difficulty keeping my humidity that low, I'm hovering mostly in 40-50s. It's how my incubator is designed but I think I've figured out a way moving forward. One really good thing about my incubator, I think the temp is good, has a fan, and it automatically moves the eggs. I also moved them around when I candled them and I'll do it again next time I candle them. I'm only 6 days in right now.