[ck2day]

I have an Amberlink hen that has been sat on 4 eggs in the garage for approx 23 days now (I have no reason to believe the eggs arent fertile as I did have the randiest cockerel going ). As I understand it they should hatch after approx 21 days, so how long do I leave her for. I have tried candling the eggs but the shells are so thick I can't see anything, plus I only have a makeshift candler consisting of a torch and small box.  When I pick up the eggs and shake them gently I can faintly hear and feel something "thudding" inside of them all suggesting there is a chick in there.

I am ok to keep waiting as I am quite happy to do that as she is still happily sat being broody or am I wasting my time?

Any advice gratefully received

Claire

[Bodger]

If you can hear a thud when you shake them, it means that the egg is addled. Be careful not to break them anywhere near where you want to be, because they will stink.

[ck2day]

If you can hear a thud when you shake them, it means that the egg is addled. Be careful not to break them anywhere near where you want to be, because they will stink.

Thanks Bodger, what does "addled" mean?

[ness]

Sorry to jump in on your thread but I have 6 eggs under 2 broodies (7 days) and when pick up 4 of them there is a thudding when I (very gently) shake them.
I did read somewhere this wasn't a good sign.  Confirmation of this would be great (or not so great  :? ).  Should fertile eggs definitely not thud then?

[Bodger]

The thud is the 'mank' swilling from side to side. Being addled means that an embryo started to develop but that at some stage , for whatever reason it died and has started to putrify with the heat from the broody.

[ck2day]

Yuck!!!!  Thanks for that Bodger, will VERY carefully remove the "thudding" eggs and dispose of   :?    


Claire

[swede]

Yuck!!!!  Thanks for that Bodger, will VERY carefully remove the "thudding" eggs and dispose of   :?    


Claire

Hi claire,
I was led to beleave that if you drop the eggs into water the fertile eggs will float, others will sink. The ones that sink you can give away to someone you don't like!! As if you would do such a thing.  :twisted:
swede