Broody hen eggs.

[Shorty22366]

I have 3 broodies sitting on eggs
I know it has been well over 21 days for one of them. How can I tell if babies in eggs are still alive? Please help
This is first time for hens and me. My hens are silkies.

 

[azygous]

Eggs that have gone 22 or 23 days without hatching are probably not viable. Recently I had four eggs not hatch that a broody was incubating. On day 23, I broke them open to find none had been fertilized. My two roos weren't doing an adequate job.

You can also candle the eggs to try to detect movement inside. Here's a good article being featured right now that tells how to fashion a candling device. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ndler-using-common-household-materials.47700/

 

[Shorty22366]

Eggs that have gone 22 or 23 days without hatching are probably not viable. Recently I had four eggs not hatch that a broody was incubating. On day 23, I broke them open to find none had been fertilized. My two roos weren't doing an adequate job.

You can also candle the eggs to try to detect movement inside. Here's a good article being featured right now that tells how to fashion a candling device. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ndler-using-common-household-materials.47700/

I have candles them earlier in the hatch and they were viable but it is way over time for one . I am going to candle them now. My hens won't mind.