Day 23 eggs not showing any signs of pipping or hatching!

[margaret1657]

So I started incubating 5 eggs on January 13th, and I have a homemade incubator that has pretty much stayed pretty constant with temperature and humidity, and everything seems to have been going fine. I already found out before lockdown from candling that two of my eggs hadn't made it and died in the shell and I have no idea how. Now, I have three surviving eggs that were supposed to hatch on Saturday but I haven't seen any signs of internal or external pipping since I candled them yesterday because I was so worried. I did water candle them and two of the three were twitching, though, so I know that at least 2 of the 3 survivors are alive. Although, today is day 23 and I am worried sick about them not showing any signs of being close to hatching. No sounds or anything except for the movement in the water. Should I intervene at this point? I really want them to live, what should I do?! (btw my temp and humidity have been constant at 99 degrees and 65% for the past 5 days) I appreciate any and all advice/opinions! Thank you!

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I would not crack them if they haven't started hatching. I dont have any knowledge on incubators, do I can't help you out. Hopefully they will hatch!

 

[ChickenPalace123]

wait until day 26, sorry to say but they may have died were they shipped?

 

[margaret1657]

wait until day 26, sorry to say but they may have died were they shipped?

No they were from my rooster and hens, i really hope they aren't dead. They were rolling around a little bit earlier

 

[sourland]

You may want to check your thermometer after this incubation. If it is reading incorrectly, low temperatures will extend the incubation period. Good luck for some hatchlings.

 

[margaret1657]

You may want to check your thermometer after this incubation. If it is reading incorrectly, low temperatures will extend the incubation period. Good luck for some hatchlings.

Thank you! I definitely will!

 

[JaeG]

Rolling around means they are getting into the right position inside the egg to hatch so not quite ready to go yet. They have to pip internally first then about 12-24 hours later they will externally pip. They may take up to 24 hours to start unzipping but the unzipping part usually happens pretty quickly. Let them do their thing as the whole process is very important.

 

[margaret1657]

Rolling around means they are getting into the right position inside the egg to hatch so not quite ready to go yet. They have to pip internally first then about 12-24 hours later they will externally pip. They may take up to 24 hours to start unzipping but the unzipping part usually happens pretty quickly. Let them do their thing as the whole process is very important.

Okay, so maybe there's hope for them yet!

 

[JaeG]

Okay, so maybe there's hope for them yet!

Definitely! I have Button quail hens who will hatch chicks out in the aviary and if the weather is a bit cold they will be 3-4 days late, so don't stress. Just remember to post photos because we love to see little chicks!

 

[margaret1657]

Definitely! I have Button quail hens who will hatch chicks out in the aviary and if the weather is a bit cold they will be 3-4 days late, so don't stress. Just remember to post photos because we love to see little chicks!

Thank you! I'm feeling much more relieved!