Warning: Hatching neuroses ahead

[Kimquat]

We're on day 16 of our grand hatching adventure. My eggs are tucked up nice and snug beneath two very broody silkies who have done a wonderful job thus far. But here are the worries that are consuming my every waking hour (and the sleeping ones, as well):

1. There have been a couple of instances where I've checked the nest and noticed part of an egg sticking out from beneath a henbutt. It felt cool, but I just tucked it back under her and hoped for the best.

2. I candled the eggs last night and it seemed that out of 8, 7 were viable. It was difficult to see and I'm a total noob when it comes to candling, but there was only a small bit of opacity at the bottom (top?) of the egg. The rest was dark and hard to really know what I was looking at. The 8th egg, however, was completely opaque with what appeared to be an air pocket or blood ring inside. I'm assuming that this one was a dud.

I am afraid that I may have cooked the chicks inside the seven viable eggs. The light source was fairly hot and I was trying hard to get an idea as to how many chicks I could expect. Is this a rational fear? Each egg was exposed to the light source for no more than 15-20 seconds. I'm also afraid that the eggs that cooled in the nest are now dead due to my negligence. I need valium at this point.

 

[Roxannemc]

You said you cooked the eggs??Guess i am confused arent they under a broody or did i miss something. ?
If they have grown and are almost taking up the egg thats a really hopeful sign that thye are growing like thye should!
Now just lockdown and the hatch.I dont think anyone can predict how many will actually hatch and be well.
Could be all 7.... or less.(Hopefully all 7!)
I dont know a lot here but from what i have read it sounds like they can be out from under her a while and still be fine.JUST from what i have read.. NOT experience.
Hatching is VERY stressful but REALLY exciting too.Most of us do it again and again so i gues we are gluttons for punishment

 

[Kimquat]

They are under a broody, but I took them out to candle them last night and now I'm afraid the light was too hot and I baked them inside the shell. And then I dreamed that they hatched, but were all made of rubber. Which was horrifying.

I was planning on moving them tonight to a private little coop so that they'll be comfy and alone with the mother. Is that a bad idea?

Lol, yes - I hope I learn something this go around so that I can relax and enjoy the process the next time.

 

[Roxannemc]

They are under a broody, but I took them out to candle them last night and now I'm afraid the light was too hot and I baked them inside the shell. And then I dreamed that they hatched, but were all made of rubber. Which was horrifying.

I was planning on moving them tonight to a private little coop so that they'll be comfy and alone with the mother. Is that a bad idea?

Lol, yes - I hope I learn something this go around so that I can relax and enjoy the process the next time.

HAHAHA Im sorry your dream is funny!.NO hidden meaning there!
Rubber chicks!
In reality i dont think the candler would fry them in 4 seconds or 10 of looking.
Yeah i think the private coop with Mom is probably a good idea .I never have had a broody yet..As long as she accepts them back or are they with her now? but its natural so easier than an incubator.She does the work!!

 

[Kimquat]

lol, none at all, right?

I've moved the hens to their new home and they seem quite content and cozy. Today is the 18th day, so hopefully we'll start to see some action from the eggs soon. I'm really anxious and nervous about the whole thing.