Is there anyway to tell right off if an egg/eggs were not fertilized?
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unfertilized eggs - texture difference?
skronkykong
Jun 06, 2007 01:31 PM
Replies (5)
alstotton
Jun 06, 2007 04:30 PM
Is there anyway to tell right off if an egg/eggs were not fertilized?
Yes,
to be honest unfertile eggs are generally waxy and tend to be 'off-white' coloured.
Also unfertile eggs can be considerably smaller than good eggs.
I got more than my fair share of 'slugs' this season..sigh 
Hope this helps........RGDS......AL
kcaj
Jun 07, 2007 12:51 AM
I have found that the eggs can be checked by candling. When they are 4-6 days old, hold them up to an intense light and you will be able to see the formation of veins etc within the egg. Be careful not to change the position of the egg or you may drown the embryo as they attach to the top of the shell. To prevent this, mark the top of the egg shell with a felt tip marker so you can be sure to keep the proper side up. Jack 
skronkykong
Jun 07, 2007 11:30 AM
I tried the candling method last nigt but I couldn't see anything. They are a few weeks old though. They are not discolored or waxy, well one has some gross patches on it, I think its bad for sure. What worries me is all but one are extemely dented. Still firm to the touch but dented. They are being kept plenty humid so its frustrating me! Its the first season for the female to lay, and she waited for 16 days after shedding to lay, so I guess I should not have my hopes up.
kcaj
Jun 08, 2007 08:59 PM
I have found that after a certain amount of time the eggs thicken as they develop and candling doesn't work. I usually candle them between 5 and 10 days post lay. Of course I have had eggs candle good and then 30 days into incubation some will start to discolor and collapse. just keep your fingers crossed. Jack
MurphysLaw
Jun 11, 2007 09:03 PM
>>I tried the candling method last nigt but I couldn't see anything. They are a few weeks old though. They are not discolored or waxy, well one has some gross patches on it, I think its bad for sure. What worries me is all but one are extemely dented. Still firm to the touch but dented. They are being kept plenty humid so its frustrating me! Its the first season for the female to lay, and she waited for 16 days after shedding to lay, so I guess I should not have my hopes up.
Ive had dented eggs hatch fine.
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