How to tell if the egg is still alive

[Ms Steak]

It is in the broad end normally. You can see it when you candle the egg.

 

[Ms Steak]

It is in the broad end normally. You can see it when you candle the egg.

This has come out wrong. The air cell is in the broad end unless they have suffered damage in the post. I gave the impression it is variable.

 

[Sarid]

I candled an egg and there is a red spot inside the shell.. Is it still alive? I have been incubating it for a few days.

 

[PalomaNova]

Quote:

i've never heard of that. Sounds a bit harsh. Does the chick stand a chance of drowning from the water test?

From my personal experience, i only see the heart beat when the chick is first forming, maybe the first half of incubation. After it fills the egg more, i can't see the heartbeat and i don't see the chick move. i just keep all the eggs that may be viable in the incubator (or under a broody) until a day or two past hatch day. Then i might pick up unhatched eggs, tap on the large end with my fingernail and chirp. If you hear chirping back, someone is in there. If not, generally they are not viable.

Well I did not hear chirping and 3 out of 4 came out past the due date. So I think it can depend!