Day 22 -No Hatching But Can See Movement?

[jayytee17]

Hi all! I am hatching chicken eggs in my preschool classroom in a Brower Top Hatch Incubator (self-turning). The humidity has been between 40-50% until day 18 when I raised it to 55% (I know it's supposed to be higher but if I put any more water in the tray it will overflow. I added little dishes with water but that did not seem to help so I'm wondering if I have a faulty hygrometer). The temp has been at a solid 99.5 degrees the entire time.

It is now day 22 and I have not seen any signs of hatching. I have a few RIR's, some bantams and some leg horn eggs. There is no peeping, no pipping, and when candled I can still see veins and movement. I was hesitant to candle but I was afraid a dud egg may have contaminated the others which caused a late hatch, but they all seem to be moving. This also concerned me because I feel like they should be big enough in the eggs to where I can't see them moving at all.

Please let me know if you guys have any ideas! I've hatched ducks before in this incubator with no problem and have sanitized it after every hatch, but I've never hatched chickens. I'm also using distilled water only.

Thanks!

 

[HuskerHens18]

Just give them a little more time, the tempature might not be accurate. If it's cooler than 99.5 it'll take longer to hatch. My first chicken hatch took 24 days before all living chicks were out.

 

[jayytee17]

Ok, great! This makes me feel better =) I feel like there's still hope since they are moving and they may just need a few more days. Thank you!

 

[HuskerHens18]

Ok, great! This makes me feel better =) I feel like there's still hope since they are moving and they may just need a few more days. Thank you!

You're welcome =) I hope you get a good hatch! It's very fun to watch

 

[jayytee17]

You're welcome =) I hope you get a good hatch! It's very fun to watch

Me too! it'll be so neat for the kids to see and it was fun when i hatched my ducks! If i don't see anything at least by the end of this week should I call it quits? At what point should I try to help them if at all?

 

[HuskerHens18]

Me too! it'll be so neat for the kids to see and it was fun when i hatched my ducks! If i don't see anything at least by the end of this week should I call it quits? At what point should I try to help them if at all?

I believe I waited until day 25 or 26 before I made a hole in the airsack to see if they needed help. Unfortunately none had absorbed their veins so I had to leave them and they eventually died. If I were you, I'd let them be until Thursday, then candle again. If they're still alive and kicking then let us know.

 

[jayytee17]

Ok sounds good, thank you for the advice!

 

[jayytee17]

I came into school this morning and one of the eggs has pipped! I can hear it chirping!

 

[Flamens Farm]

Oh, how wonderful, and I am sure a relief for you. The children will be so excited to hear and see it. I have been incubating and hatching for 2 years now and my grandchildren always want to be front and center on every hatch. They were mesmerized by the first candling I did and they were hooked just like I was! Hope you can get pics for us, can't wait to see your classes 1st baby chick.

 

[jayytee17]

Aww that's awesome! Yes, the kids were so excited! Now another one has pipped so we have two hatching now!