Uneven incubation

[Julie dingman evans]

I’m letting one of my bantam Cochins snatch 13 bantam eggs for me, she’s been sitting on them for about 3 weeks and I keep waiting for them to pipp but they haven’t. When I candled them, at least 10 were fertile, but whenever I check on her and her eggs the other birds have laid eggs under her and pushed the fertile eggs out from her (there are usually 2 eggs at a time that aren’t quite covered) I’m worried that this uneven incubation is going to lead to no chicks? I have but up barriers around her best box so no other birds will interfere, but I’m still worried about her eggs not being fully covered... should I take some out? We’re supposed to be on lockdown... do I need to candle them a third time? Will they still hatch? Any advice would be welcom!

 

[FeatherTay]

I’m letting one of my bantam Cochins snatch 13 bantam eggs for me, she’s been sitting on them for about 3 weeks and I keep waiting for them to pipp but they haven’t. When I candled them, at least 10 were fertile, but whenever I check on her and her eggs the other birds have laid eggs under her and pushed the fertile eggs out from her (there are usually 2 eggs at a time that aren’t quite covered) I’m worried that this uneven incubation is going to lead to no chicks? I have but up barriers around her best box so no other birds will interfere, but I’m still worried about her eggs not being fully covered... should I take some out? We’re supposed to be on lockdown... do I need to candle them a third time? Will they still hatch? Any advice would be welcom!

If I were, you I would candle again. If no development, I would throw them out. They may still hatch if they have enough development. If you see ones with no development, or ones that should be a lot farther along, then Throw those, out but leave the others alone just in case!

 

[Julie dingman evans]

If I were, you I would candle again. If no development, I would throw them out. They may still hatch if they have enough development. If you see ones with no development, or ones that should be a lot farther along, then Throw those, out but leave the others alone just in case!

Thank you! Is it still ok to candle during lockdown though? I don’t want to disrupt the process but also don’t want any dud eggs under her

 

[Tonyroo]

Sounds like you already have a staggered hatch going on. If a chick or 2 hatch the hen might stop brooding and those egg will need to be tossed out.

 

[FeatherTay]

Thank you! Is it still ok to candle during lockdown though?

Yes, If you do it quickly

 

[Julie dingman evans]

Yes, If you do it quickly

Thank you! I’ll candle quickly

 

[Julie dingman evans]

I candled than and was able to take out 5 infertile! The other 8 are back under momma