Fertile eggs won't hatch

[Fwoof]

My broody Black Marans Lobo has been broody for a while sitting on two fertile eggs. The eggs should've hatched by now, but they didn't, and I've heard of hens sitting in the eggbox for so long they become very unhealthy. Should I help them out of their shells, or wait longer? I want what's best for Lobo and her babies.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

My broody Black Marans Lobo has been broody for a while sitting on two fertile eggs. The eggs should've hatched by now, but they didn't, and I've heard of hens sitting in the eggbox for so long they become very unhealthy. Should I help them out of their shells, or wait longer? I want what's best for Lobo and her babies.

Have you candled? What day of incubation is it?

 

[TheOddOneOut]

If it’s past hatching time and they haven’t hatched, they won’t. They’re dead. You should make the hen get off the nest because it is unhealthy for a hen to stay there so long.

 

[Fwoof]

Have you candled? What day of incubation is it?

I candled yesterday, and they look very full.
They were laid at least 20 days ago.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I candled yesterday, and they look very full.
They were laid at least 20 days ago.

Eggs take 21 days to hatch.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

So they are either going to hatch very soon or are dead. Wait and see. I hope they hatch.

 

[Fwoof]

Have you candled? What day of incubation is it?

I candled yesterday
They are at least 20 days old.
Should I help them get out today? (if alive)
I will report back whether they are dead or not.

 

[Fwoof]

So they are either going to hatch very soon or are dead. Wait and see. I hope they hatch.

Thank you for your advice. I'll try helping them tomorrow and reply whether they're alive or not.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Thank you for your advice. I'll try helping them tomorrow and reply whether they're alive or not.

Don’t help them hatch. It will do no good unless it’s a clearly viable egg with a positioning problem or shrink wrapping.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Have the eggs internally pipped?