Egg Incubation Question

[BethanyH]

I have a two part question. The 1st is: I have two broody hens sharing a clutch of mixed eggs. It has been 21 days today and there are no signs of pipping yet. Do eggs sometimes take more than the 21 days to hatch? I had two roos and pretty sure they were fertile. I haven't been able to candle them because the broody hens will attack any time I make a move.

The 2nd question I have is that I have a small coop the two broody hens are sitting in. The nest box is high and there is a ladder to go to the ground. Will the chicks be able to get down once they have hatched? It isn't high to me, but looks like a good drop for such a little bird! Sorry, I have never had any eggs hatching, so I am not familiar with the process. I always just bought chicks already living!

 

[mixedUPturk]

Dont apologize for reaching out for help dear its a good thing! Have u tried to candle the eggs after dark when they cant see you? You might put the hens in a dark box(keep stress level down) if you cant get someone to help wrangle them? In my opinion that would be the best way to figure out whats going on in there.

No i dont think the babies would be able to go up or down a ladder at only a day old. Youll have to tryn make em a nest on the ground in the mini coop cuz mama shouldnt wanna leave em to go up there either. Maybe at 1 wk they can learn to get up/down the ramp.

we are glad to have you! Especially while your trying to do the best things you can for your flock

 

[Perris]

hello @BethanyH ! welcome to BYC
Yes eggs incubated by broodies sometimes take longer; be patient
I would not try to candle them now, indeed I would continue to leave well alone. The broodies know what they are doing, and candling will not change the outcome now, it will just (at best) satisfy your curiosity and (at worst) it may kill the chick.
The chicks will be able to get down, but not back at first, so yes try to make a nest area on the ground for the broodies to use until the chicks master the ramp (a few days, usually).
Good luck!

 

[mixedUPturk]

hello @BethanyH ! welcome to BYC
Yes eggs incubated by broodies sometimes take longer; be patient
I would not try to candle them now, indeed I would continue to leave well alone. The broodies know what they are doing, and candling will not change the outcome now, it will just (at best) satisfy your curiosity and (at worst) it may kill the chick.
The chicks will be able to get down, but not back at first, so yes try to make a nest area on the ground for the broodies to use until the chicks master the ramp (a few days, usually).
Good luck!

How would candling kill chicks? Ive never had broody hens eggs take longer in Summertime

 

[Perris]

How would candling kill chicks?

by rough handling. Watch how carefully a broody turns eggs, and in the last few days doesn't turn them at all ('lockdown' in incubator version). It's hard to see how candling can not do harm at that stage, imo.

 

[Perris]

Ive never had broody hens eggs take longer in Summertime

I have. Especially if they only part time brood in the first few days.

 

[mixedUPturk]

by rough handling. Watch how carefully a broody turns eggs, and in the last few days doesn't turn them at all ('lockdown' in incubator version). It's hard to see how candling can not do harm at that stage, imo.

Okay i understand where your coming from now thank you. I agree rough handling warm eggs is Bad and can indeed kill them by breaking the chalaza and detaching rhe air cell.

 

[mixedUPturk]

But i candle my eggs all the time and havent done that and id have to know whats going on in there. They might be all clears or all quitters. If my broodies are half sitting also i kick em off til theyre commited and then give them eggs once theyre staying put. @BethanyH have they been staying put except one break a day or did they get off the nest more than that? Also a good point by @Perris

 

[BethanyH]

Thank you all for your replies. Unfortunately I did candle them last night. Very, very gently though. I saw mostly solid with air pockets on the top, and am taking that as a good sign. My two hens take turns sitting. One will get up and eat and do her business and then come right back while the other hops on the nest temporarily so they are always covered. It's so cute to watch them take turns. Hoping today might be a hatching day. Its day 22 now so I am curious.

 

[mixedUPturk]

Thank you all for your replies. Unfortunately I did candle them last night. Very, very gently though. I saw mostly solid with air pockets on the top, and am taking that as a good sign. My two hens take turns sitting. One will get up and eat and do her business and then come right back while the other hops on the nest temporarily so they are always covered. It's so cute to watch them take turns. Hoping today might be a hatching day. Its day 22 now so I am curious.

Thats very interesting i wonder what couldve caused the delay where about in the world are you? Not the exact town or city but anything recognizable to gauge your climate