1 out of 6 eggs hatched by day 23 - any advice?

[kellogs]

Hi I am new to the forum and would love some advice if anyone could help.
My Pekin bantam hen has hatched one of 6 eggs - that was 2 days ago on day 21. I have just candled the other 5 eggs - not sure what to make of it all really, 2 of them I am sure are not fertilized or there's no development there at all - I have removed these. 1 is half hatched but has died - I have also taken this one out - and two have chicks in definitely. I have left these 2 under her but should I be able to see the chicks moving in the eggs? I can't see movement in either. I'm not sure what I should see at day 23, although I think it's getting a bit late for them to hatch from what I have read.
I guess it is just nature but I have no idea why this has happened - my hen was really good and sat for the whole time hardly moving except to turn them now and again. Is it normal for this to happen? This is my first go at this and I'd be interested to hear what's normal or what the problem could have been. I would like to try hatching with a hen again but want to be sure I'm doing everything right for her. Thanks for all your advice.

 

[krm6600]

I would say by day 25 they should be ok to toss. You could be doing everything right but maybe the eggs weren't fertile or the hen could be getting off to often. You never really have control, and that is the most nerve wracking part! Sorry about the other 5! But 1 is better than 0 right!

 

[kellogs]

Thanks, I will leave them til tomorrow - yes the one we have is just gorgeous so we are really grateful for that one

Thanks for your advice