I too check un-hatched eggs, & with doing so I saved a few chicks that are 100% fine. If it has bin some time past hatch date or if most of the hatch is out, I will start to check the other eggs. I dont just crack them open, I hold them in my hand with a warm wet wash rags & with the other hand I use the back end of a pair of twezzers, the solid side. I tap & tap one the end were the air pocket is & were they should pip at. Tapping hard until I crack the shell if there is blood & a live chick I put it back & give it more time, I have found them shrink wraped & dead to. My last batch I did. I siad to myself I am not touching any eggs, Day 20 pip started, 6 out of 9 I waited & waited on day 21 4 were out 2 were pip & the other 3 nothing.. on the 15 hour mark of when the 2 pip had went by. I helped them & check the other 3 & they were dead - shrinked wraped. The 2 that pip & I helped over 3 ot 4 hours They are 100% fine. But I wish I would of help sooner
these were silkies. The incubator was steady no spike or drops & i never had to open it - I am able to add water with out opening the door & I only had to add alittle bit to keep it at 70 when they started to hatch????
