[Ttedoldi]

Hello,  I´ve had chickens before but this is the first time that I´ve ever incubated some fertile eggs and attempted to hatch them at home.  My eggs have been in the incubator now for 10 days but I´ve resisted candling them because I´m worried about interrupting the incubation process and accidentally damaging the eggs.  Do I really need to candle them or is it ok to leave them undisturbed? Thanks!

[joyfull]

I never candle because I have always used a broody hen who will eject any non viable eggs. However they can give off a gas which can effect the rest of the eggs in the incubator so you are best candling.

[Ttedoldi]

OK, thank you!

[Kate and her Ducks]

I always candle but I incubate and means I can weed out the non-viable ones and avoid any explosions (never had one but the reports are not nice!). Never noticed an increase in losses by handling them. Remember that mum usually leaves the nest for a short period each day.

[grinling]

My broody never leaves so gets chucked off twice a day to eat, drink and do the most smelliest poos ever 

[joyfull]

typical broody - their poohs are enormous and very very smelly