How early and how often do you candle your eggs?

[OrpObsessed]

Lol not ENGINES.... EGGIES!! Silly spell check, you aren't smarter than me! Ugh!

 

[knutyknurse]

What is this lockdown everyone is speaking of? And can you candle with a flashlight? Thanks!

 

[optycal]

Lockdown is when the incubator stops (or YOU stop) turning the eggs. They need to sit still for a couple days (chickens, don't know about any other birds) before they hatch.

 

[arcadianacres]

I have a farm innovations 4200. Anyone know where to add water? Also, where can I find pics of what to look for early on?

 

[Stewieb71]

I'm in the middle of my first incubation at the moment. Candled at day five because I couldn't wait to see if there was anything I was going to see. Then candled again at day 7 because I was so amazed by what I could see at day 5 plus I wanted to mark some air sacs. Yesterday at day 9 I went again. Tonight I snuck a peek at one egg. I'm glad I did. The embryo was moving all over the place. Good to get all of the firsts out of my system. Hopefully I haven't done too much damage. Next time around I'll be a little more patient I'm sure.

 

[jcbrownacu]

Good info to know. I'm about to try hatching eggs for the first time and was wondering this!

 

[blueridgefarmer]

The last few times I have cracked open my cochins eggs they are fertile....I think she will go broody anytime now. Can I just let her sit on them for a week and then candle, if nothing take them and eat them. I don't want to use an incubator, I really want to try the natural way.

 

[chickienewbie88]

This thread is full of such wonderful info! I currently have 4 silkie and 5 silkie bantam eggs in my incubator. Ive read somewhere that day 1 actually starts the day you let them "rest" before placing in the incubator, is that true? If not, my eggs are at 8 days. My fiance wants to wait until day 10 to check but its KILLING me, not knowing. I dont even know if theyre fertilized yet!!! Is there anything wrong with going on day 8 vs day 10? Also, if one or more are "quitters" how long after theyve quit do you run the risk of them exploding?

 

[Smorz]

Also, if one or more are "quitters" how long after theyve quit do you run the risk of them exploding?

Chickie - did you ever find an answer to this question? I asked the same question and got the same response. I'm still wondering

 

[Smorz]

Ps - I'm at day 15 of my first incubation. e Going crazy!