Hi everyone. I'm at day 23 of my whole incubation period and nothing has hatched. I did get most of my eggs from places of significantly lower elevation (30 count). But not my Blue Cochins (15 count). The Blue Cochins were bought down in Colorado Springs and brought up to where I live in Woodland Park at 9,500 feet in elevation! They all died at day 13. I could tell because when I opened them up at day 26 of their incubation they were developed as far as a day 13 or 14 day old fetus. So they did not thrive unfortunately and I am wondering if the elevation and oxygen levels had anything to do with it. The remaining eggs were shipped from two locations. One was Ohio and the other was Florida. I'm giving them a little bit more time because perhaps they take longer to develop at this elevation. I see some movement still so I know some thing is brewing and wanting to possibly hatch. Perhaps giving them a couple extra days is key at this altitude. I'm just concerned for the future (until I can get my own flock established) that all the eggs that I buy from other states at sea level, will possibly all die. I might have to resort to buying day old chicks afterall until they grow and I can diversify my gene pool and hatch my own eggs at their own elevation. So far this is what I've experienced. It's my first time trying to hatch eggs and I'm learning at each step. I'll write another post if any hatch. Remember we're at day 23 so a few more days is what I'll give them and I'll return to write another post. Angela
