Can anyone give some advice on hatching? or throw away?

[Tatianna]

Hi,
First time incubating...I am certain I lost a lot in shipping as one of my boxes was practically destroyed on arrival. However after candeling I had at least four moving around. I water candeled about a five days before lock down.
I am one day past hatching day and nothing is going on....How long should I give them?? When should I throw them away?
If I open them, will it tell me what went wrong?
Thanks to all who respond.....I am wicked depressed

 

[Joshw]

I always give any unhatched a eggs a few extra days, in hopes that they will hatch. 21 days is a guideline, but not uncommon for them to hatch a day or two late or early.for that mater. A lot depends on your temp. If you are off even a small amount it can affect hatch time. Be sure and listen for any peeps and check the eggs for peck holes. It seems I always have a few that need help getting out of the shell. Cracking the egg open can give you clues to what might have happened or give you a time table of when it happened. It is a good way to spot problems with humidity.

 

[Tatianna]

Josh,
Can I handle the eggs to look for holes?

 

[Joshw]

yes, and put them up to your ear and see if you can hear any peeping. Just don't leave them out of the incubator too long.

 

[Tatianna]

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Tatianna]

ohhhh...no peeping

 

[bobbi-j]

Personally, I do not handle them when I'm expecting them to hatch. I have a clear-topped incubator, though, and can just look in and see if there are any pips or cracks. I would give them a couple of more days at least. You just never know. You can open them when you decide to stop incubating. It may or may not tell you what might have gone wrong. I'd do it outside, though, in case you have a rotten one.