candleing ??

[KKluckers]

It can be a number of things. I just had two Ameraucana chicks from Cynthia die in their shell at day 20-21. They were moving around kicking on day 18 when I moved them to the hatcher. I think mine were due because they were lost in the mail for a long time and probably got to cold. That is a good question about the eggs being wet on the bottoms. Hatching chicks is such trial and error. At least with me it is more error. My first hatch I got nothing because the temp was to low. I learned from that and now have a bunch of fuzzy butts ranging from 2 months to two days. Don't beat yourself up though you tried your best.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Was any of them in the air cell? Did you hear anything tapping?

 

[hsm5grls]

No air calls were clear and no sound from them at all. My mom thinks I should poke a hole in the end of one and see what happens. I think I will wait on that. DD said she saw one move but that could be wishful thinking. Oh this is nerve racking. Shouldn't there have been some sort of movement in the egg??

 

[Poison Ivy]

I had some last batch never made a move and they were the first to hatch. I thought they were dead. But maybe wait a day and see if they hatch tomorrow. Mine all hatched at the last minute of day 21.

 

[speckledhen]

Movement isn't necessarily a given the last couple of days. Just think how cramped it is in the egg, then they have to twist around and get into position to pip. After that little bit of gymnastics, they rest quite awhile sometimes. I never let mine go past Day 22 and if I have a hunch, I myself even pip an eraser sized hole in the aircell end to see if there is any movement/breathing. BUT, that's just me.

 

[hsm5grls]

I poked a hole in three eggs just through the shell and not into the air cell. First two dead smelt bad. Third movement i put it back and am leaving the rest alone. I hope this encourages the one babie to get a move on and dosen't hurt it at all. I am encouraged by the moving on that some at least are alive.