It doesn’t matter how many times I hatch chicks, I always
find it really exciting. It’s like nature’s own Kinder surprise! I have been
carefully storing eggs from my lovely blue hens and last week I put 8 of them
in the incubator to hatch.
They have been in there for 8 days now, so I decided to
check for fertility by candling the eggs. I tell myself that I am checking to
make sure that I am not wasting energy by incubating empty eggs, but really,
I’m just very excited to see what’s going on inside the tiny shells. My hens are bantams and only take around 19 –
21 days to incubate so they develop quickly and, by day 8, the blood vessels
are visible along with the heart and the eyes and head.
All the eggs were developing nicely, which is great, as it
shows that fertility levels are very good and that Rufus is active. The eggs
have survived the collection and storage process which involves keeping them
cool and rotating them every day. It’s so magical to see their little eyes
forming and their hearts beating.
I will candle them again next week and let you know how they
are developing.
Fabulous picture Sue. Would be really interesting to see a similar one at every week of development.
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered you, and am just delighted. We will be welcoming chickens for the first time in the spring, and your blog will be an exceptionally helpful resource. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi 3acre and welcome. How exciting to be getting chickens! I still get very excited about any new additions. I even share my customers excitement when they come to buy my hens. I'm glad you enjoy the blog. Do feel free to ask any questions or to tell us about your new arrivals.
DeleteFascinating. Hope all goes well when the time comes
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie,
DeleteI will keep you all posted. If there are two things that poultry keepers cant resist its taking photos of chicks and looking at other peoples photos of chicks. I will be posting the pics!
Hi john,
ReplyDeleteglad you liked it.If you look carefully you can see a dark spot near the air sack which is the chicks heart. I will take another next week and plot the chicks development as you request.