Could these eggs still hatch?

[dunnmom]

My broody has hatched out 8 chicks. She has been been pushing out two eggs and then pulling them back under her. She's let them get cool to the touch a couple of times. The weather has been relatively warm, not lower than 55-60. Could these eggs still be viable, or is she just confused. Today was day 22, and mom said to leave them another day just in case. What are the chances?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Probably duds, most broody hatched eggs hatch on day 20. I remove the remainder when mom leaves or day 23.

 

[dunnmom]

That's what's confusing me, why she hasn't given them up when she already has so many babies. She seems to have trouble making up her mind.

 

[Robert G]

I also discard after day 23. I'll place chick starter and water in her nest to feed the ones that did hatch to give time for the others. She will get up around day 23.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's what's confusing me, why she hasn't given them up when she already has so many babies. She seems to have trouble making up her mind.

Her instinct is to pull eggs under her. It's a hard habit to stop. Give those eggs a sniff, and a gentle shake. If something is clunking or smelling they are no good.

 

[dunnmom]

Thank you for the advice. My broody and I are first timers.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's always hard to give up on unhatched eggs. Generally the shake test will tell me what's in the egg. Just be very careful handling any potential bad eggs as they can explode and it isn't pleasant.

 

[chonsey]

Candle them, if they light up, take em out.

 

[dunnmom]

I've read about a float test. Has anyone tried it with any success? I also wonder if the same tests with duck eggs, as that will likely be my next batch of hatching eggs.

 

[chonsey]

I have to drag myself out of bed in an hour, I have some maran & legbars due to hatch in four days. I may put a few under her. But I need to clean the duds out, so they don't explode.