Day 20 of incubation. No pipping. Should I be worried ?

[lydiagirl99]

Hello ! This is my first time hatching chicken eggs and I'm not sure I've done everything correct. I kept the humidity between 40-50% on days 1-18 then at the end of day 18, I took the turner out and have kept the humidity between 65-71%. I only have 9 eggs in there. I've been watching them and I've seen rocking from about 3 of them for about a day now but still no pipping ! Its day 20 and I just want to know if it's fine that my babies still have not pipped yet.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Should be hatching tomorrow day 21. If your temp is off a little things can be delayed or accelerated. If pullet size or bantam eggs day 19 for hatching is typical. For standard birds with full size eggs day 21 is on the money. That's the same day you set them only three weeks later. Set on Sunday they are due on Sunday.

I'll add that next time you incubate try a lower incubating RH. I like 30% RH. Hatching time 70% + is best. If lower than 70% their is chance of those late in the hatch getting stuck to shell requiring assistance. Have not needed to assist since keeping over 70%.

And of course those #'s are with a calibrated hygrometer. Search "salt test" here and you'll see how easy it is to do that.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join us here! I agree with egghead, still time for your eggs so no need to panic. The 21 days is just a guide, some hatch earlier some hatch later. Please do have a read of this ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101
Lots of fab info on incubating and hatching in there. Wishing you the very best of luck and enjoy BYC

 

[lydiagirl99]

Thank you guys very much ! Maybe I'll get back on tomorrow and give you an update. Hopefully all goes well, and I'll go to that link you posted as well

 

[silkiecuddles]

Hi, and

What you're doing sounds good. Some eggs hatch late, sometimes as late as day 23, or sometimes they'll hatch early on day 19.
Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the BYC flock.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!