Bantam eggs- Are they dead or just slow.

[ChickenWhisperer3]

My bantam hen is sitting on her eggs. Today is day 21 and there are still no pips! Are the chicks dead? Or are they just slow?

I live in Denver CO so it is around 95 degrees every day. Is it possible for the chicks to overheat or will the mother keep them at a regulated temperature?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If they don't hatch by day 23 I usually figure they are no good. Eggs can overheat.

 

[ChickenWhisperer3]

Is it possible for the shell to be too hard? This particular has very hard egg shells, but I would think that chicks are adapted to opening hard shells with their tooth. Right?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally hen incubated chicks can get out. Have you candles the eggs?

 

[ChickenWhisperer3]

Generally hen incubated chicks can get out. Have you candles the eggs?

Yes I have candled the eggs, I candled two of them the day before yesterday. One was alive the other was questionable. I am just worried they won’t hatch. I have read that candling the eggs too late can kill the embryo

 

[angela hernandez]

give them a little while longer, i had two chicks hatch on day 24 not too long ago. any longer than that and you should start getting worried. if any eggs still haven't hatched by then put them in a warm water bowl and check for signs of movement. good luck!