How to Candle a Chicken Egg (Step by Step)
Shine a light on your hatch. Learn when to candle chicken eggs, what growing embryos look like, and how to handle eggs gently.
Can You Hatch Store-Bought Eggs? The Honest (and Fun) Answer
Most grocery store eggs are not fertile. Learn why storage matters, what to ask at a farm stand, and how to choose eggs intended for hatching.
How Can You Tell If a Chicken Egg Is Fertile? Look for the Bullseye
Learn the yolk bullseye test for fresh eggs and what candling incubating eggs can tell you about development.
How Many Hens Per Rooster? Finding the Happy Balance
About ten hens per rooster is a common starting point. Learn why flock temperament, space and signs of mating pressure matter more than a number alone.
What Does It Mean When a Hen Goes Broody? (And What to Do)
Learn what broodiness means, how to spot the signs, and your options for hatching chicks or gently discouraging nesting.
Do Hens Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs?
Hens lay eggs without a rooster. Learn when you need a rooster, what makes eggs fertile, and what to consider before adding one.
How Long Do Chicken Eggs Take to Hatch? The 21-Day Timeline
Chicken eggs take about 21 days to hatch. Follow the beginner-friendly timeline from setting eggs to the first pip and hatch day.