[Oneeyedhen]

I've just decided to leave a broody hen in their house with a few eggs as every time i try and move her she doesnt sit. So to make sure I leave her with the right eggs I put a tiny cross with permenant marker. My husband then informs me that he thinks this will kill the chicks!  Is this a cert and I need to change her eggs or will they be ok?
Thanks,
OEH.

[in the hills]

Sorry, cant say for certain. Everything I have read says to use pencil so I have always used this.
 
Someone I know uses felt tip pens and her eggs seem to hatch okay. 

[Sylvia]

I use a soft lead pencil, I wouldn't think ink would penetrate the membrane though

[tizaala]

Permanent or laundry marker works ok , had no problems hatching .

[chrismahon]

I've used a water based marker pen, rather than solvent. All the eggs were marked with big numbers and didn't lose any to that. It was a semi-auto incubator and I wanted to be sure the eggs were turning and not skidding on the base. Pencil is a safe option.

[Oneeyedhen]

Thanks for your replies. From what you've all said I think I'll give them a chance and just leave them alone. We've just hatched 15 with an incubator but it would be nice to have some with a mum!