Chick hatching, large eggs taking longer

[A.M. Eggs]

Hello, of my 9 eggs that made it to hatch day all but 2 have hatched! Super eggciting (haha)! The two largest eggs however have not pipped let alone hatched. I read that larger eggs sometimes take slightly longer just because of their size, but these weren't that much larger. I went ahead and removed the seven that have hatched to the brooder since the incubator is small and the temperature was struggling to stay high enough. Wondering if I should float test the eggs to see if the chicks are still alive. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I don’t have any advice except not to float test because you will drown the chicks. I would leave them in another day.

 

[Ridgerunner]

To me, the float test on incubated eggs is an extreme measure only taken if you are ready to toss out the eggs and need that last check before you can stand to toss them. As long as they are not cracked or pipped they are not going to drown but it is not something I'd do unless I just could not stand to toss them. It can affect the bloom which protects them against bacteria. It is an extreme measure. Some people just like to fiddle and cannot keep their hands off so they try it but I don't consider it a toy to play with. I consider this float test to be serious but it can help you emotionally.

I've read that smaller eggs hatch early and larger eggs hatch later but my experience does not confirm that. Some of mine hatch earlier, some hatch later regardless of size.

I assume chicken eggs? What is the time history of these eggs? What date did they go into the incubator? What date did the 7 eggs hatch? Did you candle the eggs to see if you saw any development during incubation? A little more information would help before I start with suggestions.

 

[A.M. Eggs]

To me, the float test on incubated eggs is an extreme measure only taken if you are ready to toss out the eggs and need that last check before you can stand to toss them. As long as they are not cracked or pipped they are not going to drown but it is not something I'd do unless I just could not stand to toss them. It can affect the bloom which protects them against bacteria. It is an extreme measure. Some people just like to fiddle and cannot keep their hands off so they try it but I don't consider it a toy to play with. I consider this float test to be serious but it can help you emotionally.

I've read that smaller eggs hatch early and larger eggs hatch later but my experience does not confirm that. Some of mine hatch earlier, some hatch later regardless of size.

I assume chicken eggs? What is the time history of these eggs? What date did they go into the incubator? What date did the 7 eggs hatch? Did you candle the eggs to see if you saw any development during incubation? A little more information would help before I start with suggestions.

Hello! I haven't tested them yet, I have seen people do the float test online like it is a normal thing so I will wait. Today is day 22, the eggs were put in the incubator on March 5th at around 1:40pm CST. Seven chicks hatched within 12 hours yesterday starting around 8:30am CST. I candled once every 7 days and removed 3 eggs for lack of development. 9 eggs made it to lockdown with documented movement. Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[Yardmom]

It is much safer to candle the eggs and see if you can see movement, than to put the eggs in water.