When to hatch chicks

[ChickenEnthusiast]

Here's a picture of my incubator right now

 

[chickens really]

Here's a picture of my incubator right now

63 is way too high to set eggs....50% is better...63 at lock down too hatch...

 

[aart]

Candling can be tricky at first, takes some practice.
I'd also suggest you read on on temps and humidity levels in the incubation forum.


Here's my experience with candling:
First Hatch - I candled on day 7-10-14-18.
:
Day 7 - didn't see much but the air cells, which I outlined with a pencil every time I candled, maybe some veining and lumps..maybe moving...I was very disappointed.
Day 10 - could definitely see veins and some movement...maybe some clears and blood rings.
Day 14 - saw much more definition of shape, movement and realized what I had seen the previous times. Clears and blood ring more obvious.
Day 18 - pulled the now very obvious clears and blood rings. Viable chicks almost filled egg and wasn't as much movement.

Knew much better what to look for the next time I incubated. It just takes some practice and experience.
Candle well after sunset or in a dark windowless room, I used a cardboard template with a hole cut to fit into a utility light shade with a 60watt bulb. Also used a very bright flashlight and just my hand in a windowless room after I got better at it.

 

[chickens really]

Expert came into the thread .......lol....I know what works .?....What doesn't ........?



Cheers!

 

[ChickenEnthusiast]

Oh is it fine to candle every day?

 

[aart]

Oh is it fine to candle every day?

I wouldn't...best to leave them to do their thing and check about every 5 to 7 days...especially if you are new to hatching and candling. Just my opinion.

 

[ChickenEnthusiast]

Ok I've been candleing every day from day two could that be the no movement issue?

 

[chickens really]

Ok I've been candleing every day from day two could that be the no movement issue?

Yeah, totally ....A hen hardly moves her eggs...She sure does not have a flashlight to candle her eggs daily......lol....Too much interfering..



CHEERS!

 

[ChickenEnthusiast]

So should I stop candeling until day nine or ten?

 

[chickens really]

So should I stop candeling until day nine or ten?

Yes...leave them alone too develop and then be gentle with them.. Hens never pick up eggs to candle them......

Keep it real...I do and have great success...

Best wishes..