Yolk looked scrambled when I candled

What was wrong?

I'm too much of a coward to crack open fertile eggs. Though I might do it this year... several days after they're supposed to hatch.

 

Another chicken raiser gave me this tip for dealing with eggs that don't hatch. (I've only tried this well after the 21 days plus some.

Dig a hole and place a large stone in it and then toss the eggs in - you can see what was in the eggs but you don't get splattered if it is a stinky rotten one. You can cover the whole lot with earth and don't have to handle it.

It is kinda interesting to see what went wrong. This season I had a batch of six that did not develop at all (maybe they got too hot or cold in transit) they all still looked fresh and did not smell bad even after 3 weeks under a bantam - amazing!

 

So was the yolk actually scrambled? If so, you can rest easy knowing the baby wouldn't have made it anyway. I have had a few develop with a busted yolk and they always die. Generally by about day 10. It seems they can start but not finish.

 

Quote:Not me, because I'm a shining example of patience and a paragon of those who would never stray from directions, e.g., never opening the incubator the last three days.

I WISH! I'd've had a lot more chicks hatch if... IF! IF! IF! If ifs were skiffs I could (we could all) go sailing.

 

The next time you have the urge to remove and open an egg that is younger than 10 days into incubation, call me and I'll come over and slap your hand!! I did that once...that's why now I never throw an egg out until at least day 10.