big day number 21

[MamaMarcy]

Seriously. None of us can tell you if they are still alive. Best to assume they ARE alive and just stay way from them (hands off) till say day 25...and if no rocking/peeping do a float test. I know it's nerve wracking, but asking over and over and wondering about them isn't going to help....especially as early as just day 21. And not at all likely temp spike of 104 did a bit of harm.

If you have chicks already hatched that need to move to brooder just take them out and continue to monitor humidity and temp until the rest hatch.

 

[waw]

thanks and what is a float test and how to do it
i suggest that it involves water and want that drown it

i will take your advice
thanks for the help and the virtual slap in the face to help me

 

[MamaMarcy]

The float test:

wait till they are overdue ... not just due ... and if you don't her peeping, pecking, or see rocking on their own. You cn lso try candling the air cell to look for movement before doing the float test.

taake a small bowl or mug of warm water (around 100 degrees F), enough to submerge the entire egg in and have wiggle room. Let the water settle completely. Once settled, gently lower the egg in, and again let the water settle. watch the egg...if it move son it's own, there's a chick inside moving round.

They will not drown unless the shell is broken (PIP'd) so make sure the shell is completely intact before doing this. You don't leave them in the water for more than a few seconds to about a minute or so.

 

[cmom]

Many Folks Are Having Eggs Go Overdue For Hatch And Wondering If They Are Duds, Late, Or Have Had Some Sort Of Fetal Demise.... The Float Test Is Simple Yet Effect Way Of Checking Egg Viability.

I Normally Give Eggs A Full 24 Hrs Overdue Before Float Testing. It Works On All Bird Eggs- Period! Takes Very Little Equipment Or Time To Do And Is Easy To Perform.


Start With A Bowl Of Sufficient Depth To Allow The Eggs Your Testing To Float Freely Or Sink. Add 100 Degree Water To The Needed Level And Allow It To Settle( Quit Swirling And Calm Down)

Once Settled Take The Egg Or Eggs To Be Tested And Gently Lower Them Into The Water With As Little Disturbance As Possible. You May Need To Wait A Few Minutes For The Water To Settle Again After Adding Egg/ Eggs. Then Just Watch....

Eggs Are Judged By Observation With Results As Follows:

1. Sinker= Dud, Never Developed

2. High Floater (like A Fishing Bobber Without Weights) Say 45% Or More Of The Egg Above The Water Line= Dud, No Development Or Fetal Demise, Likely Rupture Of Internal Membranes Causing The Egg To Dehydrate.

3. Low Floater= Viable Egg, Development Full Term

4. Low Floater Rockin And Rollin! This Is The Live Embryo Moving Inside The Egg= Definate Viable Egg!

Once Test Results Complete Take Viable Eggs And Gently Pat Dry And Replace In Hatcher. Duds Are Best Discarded At This Time.


It Should Be Noted All Eggs Warrant Close Inspection Prior To Float Testing--- Any Pips In The Shell? Do Not Float Test! If The Shell Is Broken, Pipped Or Cracked In Any Way Water May Enter And Drown The Chick Inside