Any advice would be great! First time hatcher.

[nrinks]

I posted this a few days ago. My baby sitter took eggs out from under a broody hen and set them on my kitchen counter. They were out for about 4-5 hours! They were around day 16. I candled them and I can't see anything except for the air sack and the rest is dark. No veins or anything. Are they dead and should I toss them? Very sad I know....Any opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[Kittymomma]

I'm confused. Have they been out for days now or did you put them back under the broody when you got home and are now wondering if they'll hatch?

 

[nrinks]

OH sorry yes. I put them right back under her when I got home. I'm now wondering if they will hatch.. Thanks

 

[Kittymomma]

I think that you have a good chance of having at least some of them hatch. I haven't experienced it myself, but I've read several threads where the hen was off the nest or the bator failed for longer then what you described and most of the chicks still hatched. They might be a little late because of the cool down though so don't give up and toss them until a couple of days after they're due. As far as only being able to see a big dark blob goes that is pretty normal, just means the chick has grown and is filling up the egg. Happy hatching thoughts going your way.

 

[nrinks]

Thanks for the words of encouragment! I won't give up just yet then! Yeah I am keeping my fingers crossed!!