How do you find if remaining unhatched chicken eggs are viable?

You can check if remaining unhatched chicken eggs are viable by using the following methods:

1. Candling:

* How it works: Candling involves shining a bright light through the egg. This allows you to see the inside and check for signs of a developing chick.

* What to look for:

* Viable egg: You'll see a dark, well-defined circular area (the chick) with blood vessels branching out from it.

* Unviable egg: The yolk may be dark and cloudy, or you might see a dark, shadowy area that isn't a chick (blood spot). The yolk might also be off-center or floating freely.

2. Shake Test:

* How it works: Gently shake the egg against your ear.

* What to look for:

* Viable egg: You'll hear a slight "sloshing" sound as the yolk moves.

* Unviable egg: You'll hear a "thud" or "clunk" sound, indicating the yolk is stuck to the shell or the air sac is too large.

3. Float Test:

* How it works: Place the egg in a bowl of cool water.

* What to look for:

* Viable egg: The egg will sink to the bottom and lay on its side.

* Unviable egg: The egg will float, indicating a large air sac or that it's rotten.

Important Considerations:

* Age of the eggs: Eggs are less likely to be viable if they're older than 7-10 days.

* Incubation Temperature: If the incubation temperature was too high or too low, it could affect viability.

* Handling: Be careful not to crack the eggs while candling, shaking, or floating them.

* Experience: It takes practice to accurately interpret the results of these tests, so it's a good idea to consult with experienced breeders or poultry experts if you're unsure.

Remember: Even if an egg seems viable, there's no guarantee it will hatch. There are many factors that can contribute to a chick's death during incubation.