Chicken bald back

[mimi5]

So Martha is doing a good job sitting tight and we are in a good routine for off the nest 20 mins every morning (eat, drink & broody poo ) But today I noticed 3 eggs on the edge of the nest & they seemed cool I did give her 8 eggs and she added one more so 9 eggs. Is this too many? Should I remove any on the edge of the clutch tomorrow morning? Tomorrow will be day 7.

 

I didn't candle my eggs last time and only gave each broody 6 eggs. Was I being silly giving her 8 eggs and have i jeopardised this hatch???

 

Feeling worried & wobbly

[miller30]

I would leave her to it she may tuck them back under her later a couple of mine do this but I would candle on day 7 to Chuck out duffs plus you don't want her sitting and losing condition for nothing I candle at night after lock up so much easier leanne

[mimi5]

Well, this morning I went to lift Martha and the eggs were all together, snug and warm, so it seems all is well I did put more snowflake around the edge of the nest yesterday, to kind of make a small bank. She is in the classic.

 

So day 7 today. Not sure about candling as I don't have a lamp. I can order one in time for day 10 which might be better as I haven't done it before and it might be clearer/easier for me to see??

[Cat tails]

Would this be useful?

 

click

 

Have absolutely no personal experience, but have seen people do it with just a flashlight.

[Daphne]

Any bright focused light will do - I use an LED torch with a decently strong light. It is a good thing to do as you can get rid of any clears. 10 days is just the right time to do it but don't spend ages pointing the bright light into the egg as prolonged heat can harm the embryo. There is no point in letting her sit if all the eggs are duff as you risk her losing condition. The only time it can be useful is if you discover you have a lot of clear eggs - you could decide to buy in day olds. If nothing else, it will give you good practice at looking at eggs. There are quite a few online resources now which help you know what you are looking at. Good Luck - its exciting