Day 17, few look like day 12/13, all set same time, ALL still very alive.

[juliasflock]

I have 25 eggs on day 17 today. Most of them are looking right where they should be, but I have a few that are very clearly still alive and active when I candle, but only taking up the room in the egg of a day 12-14 day egg. I've never experienced this before. The eggs are on the larger side, but not any larger than the hen usually lay. And some that are just as large are looking just like they should be at day 17.

Could they potentially hatch a couple days after the others? All the eggs were set at the exact same time. I'm not too hopeful, but any explanation why it happens? Failure to thrive?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hello there.

In order to keep my hatch frame tight... I always move the eggs to a new place in the bator once daily to combat any temp difference, even in circulated air. For example there may be a warm spot near the turner motor of you are using one.

Yes, there is a potential that some could hatch late. Egg size has nothing to do with development. Bantam eggs develop the same as large fowl. But every egg has it's own conductane and pore values, and their are some genetic differences to EVERY embryo even from the same parents.

If it get's time to remove chicks to the brooder and you think some still may hatch... drape a towel to retain moisture and prevent any shrink wrapping of those still possibly coming.

Yes, it's also possible they have quit developing. But if I'm not sure, I wait and see.

At my current level of experience with my set up and my flock, Anything out of certain parameters is discarded. But that's after several years of practice.

Happy hatching!