Day 21 and no signs of hatching :(

[Flutterbee]

So my hen, Edna, has been sitting on about nineteen eggs that I have periodically been checking with various methods such as candling (which has shown some success). I first noticed her sitting on August 1st, but I'm not sure how long before that she had been so I said July 31st just to be safe. Today I checked on her nest (while she was out grabbing a bite for three seconds) and there weren't any pips or any sounds (at least, I could have sworn I once heard the faint sound of tapping but when I listened hard, it was gone). I'm very sad right now as I am wondering if nobody made it. Is it possible that I am off and today is actually day 20 and the hatching will commence tomorrow?

 

[iwiw60]

Yes, I would just leave her alone with the eggs...after all, the worst that can happen is they won't hatch (which I know would be a shame), but then again your timing may be off to what it actually is...give it 2-3 more days I'd say...good luck and let us know if any hatch!

 

[Flutterbee]

Yes, I would just leave her alone with the eggs...after all, the worst that can happen is they won't hatch (which I know would be a shame), but then again your timing may be off to what it actually is...give it 2-3 more days I'd say...good luck and let us know if any hatch!

Thank you so much. I'm just a nervous wreck waiting for these little guys to hatch. I really hope that they do I saw movement before when I candled a few days ago...

 

[iwiw60]

I would say at this point to just leave her and the eggs alone...no more checking, nothing...I know it's hard but ya gotta do it!

 

[bobbi-j]

I would say at this point to just leave her and the eggs alone...no more checking, nothing...I know it's hard but ya gotta do it!

This. You are not doing your chicks any favors by continuing to mess with the eggs. Walk away, don't go back out there until Friday. Really. I know it's hard, but at this point it's the best thing you can do.

 

[Flutterbee]

Alright, I won't. I won't do anything until Friday and then I'll just take a peek. Thanks so much guys. I appreciate the support.

 

[Flutterbee]

UPDATE! So my father decided to check the nest before I could tell him to leave them alone and THEY ARE HATCHING! OMG I AM ACTUALLY CRYING! BABIES! I won't be able to sleep tonight!

 

[AmericanMom]

UPDATE! So my father decided to check the nest before I could tell him to leave them alone and THEY ARE HATCHING! OMG I AM ACTUALLY CRYING! BABIES! I won't be able to sleep tonight!

The above advice still stands...Don't mess with them or the hen...wait until Friday!!

Oh and Congrats!!!

 

[PD-Riverman]

UPDATE! So my father decided to check the nest before I could tell him to leave them alone and THEY ARE HATCHING! OMG I AM ACTUALLY CRYING! BABIES! I won't be able to sleep tonight!

Just for Info, everytime you lift or tilt the hen to see under her-----while these chicks are hatching----you are disturbing the Moisture needed for the hatch----you got to leave them alone. If you pick up one of the chicks---the mother hen will get upset most times, which can cause her to jump off the nest(not good) or she can crush chicks or unhatched eggs. When she gets off the nest---then you can mess with them-----If She Will let you---LOL.

 

[iwiw60]

Just for Info, everytime you lift or tilt the hen to see under her-----while these chicks are hatching----you are disturbing the Moisture needed for the hatch----you got to leave them alone. If you pick up one of the chicks---the mother hen will get upset most times, which can cause her to jump off the nest(not good) or she can crush chicks or unhatched eggs. When she gets off the nest---then you can mess with them-----If She Will let you---LOL.

EXCELLENT advice from @PD-Riverman ... It is important that you DO NOT MESS with her AT ALL at this point. Now that they are hatching your broody is in charge and she will know what to do. Don't be surprised if you spot an egg kicked off to the side...she has a built-in radar for bad eggs, chicks who have died, etc. Leave well enough alone for now/

And congratulations...how exciting for you!! We want PICS when you can get some!!!