hhmmm thats a point

lisalambourne · Post by **lisalambourne** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 7:35 am

Hi I know that eggs hatch at around day 14...but is that 14 days from being laid or 14 days from incubation as finches sit on eggs after 3 are laid. I have 5 eggs and was counting today as day 13 but should I add a few more days onto that?......... CONFUSED I am now...lol.....lisa.......

StevePax · Post by **StevePax** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:30 am

I believe counting starts at incubation. But, it's harder to pinpoint the exact time that the birds start incubating properly. So, just let it be a range of days - your babies will hatch sometime between tomorrow and a week from tomorrow. The 14 days number isn't always exact, anyway. Depends on a lot of factors. Just like human babies, they'll come when they are ready.

lisalambourne · Post by **lisalambourne** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:44 am

Thanks, I don't like the idea of candling scared I will end up dropping the egg or something so guess I will just have to wait the eggs are grayish in colour, does that mean anything...lol..lisa....

tammieb · Post by **tammieb** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 1:53 pm

Generally eggs will hatch 12-16 days after incubation begins, with 14 days being the average.

Since your hen is already stressed with the loss of her mate, I believe I would forgo candling the eggs. In another post I suggested you check to see how many eggs are fertile, but at this point it doesn't really make a difference and doing so could cause her to abandon the nest.

Trynot to worry and let nature run its course. Easier said then done I know.

lisalambourne · Post by **lisalambourne** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:12 pm

Thanks Tammie, cash has been on on her nest all evening so I am not going to interfere. I apriciate everyones advice you have all been sooo friendly and helpful. I will keep you all posted if there are any happenings. Thanks again.......lisa........

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:39 pm

hi lisa
from the outside usually a fertile egg would appear a bluey /grey colour so there is a good chance they are fertile

ken