First time hatching at what point do you intervene?

[egrigs14]

Hey all! This is our first time hatching eggs. A little back story: Initially I bought fertilized eggs because we had a broody lady and thought why not give it a shot. By the time we got the eggs and put them under her, she broke her brood a few days later. So she only sat on the eggs a total of 3 or so days. When we noticed she wasn't sitting on them anymore, we put them in an incubator figuring why not see if they will still hatch. Fast forward 3 weeks and or 2 eggs that have made it this far should be hatching any day now. We are technically on day 22 and there have been no pips or anything looking like it's happening. I know it's a NO NO but this evening I opened the incubator quick to check on the 2 eggs and there is movement in both and 1 was even chirping. At what point do you try to intervene and help? I know you shouldn't help, period, but if they don't go on their own, they will for sure die in the egg. So I guess my real question is how many days past the 21 days would you wait to try to help and save the babies. Sorry for the rambling.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I'd wait another day or two. The eggs were barely started under the hen when she quit, so I think they are delayed development. Trying to intervene and crack shells will likely cause far more damage than help.

I'm a fan of letting things alone unless you've got a partial hatch and shrink wrap. Then I help.

LofMc

 

[egrigs14]

I'd wait another day or two. The eggs were barely started under the hen when she quit, so I think they are delayed development. Trying to intervene and crack shells will likely cause far more damage than help.

I'm a fan of letting things alone unless you've got a partial hatch and shrink wrap. Then I help.

LofMc

Alright thanks so much! I didn't know how it worked with putting them under them and then moving it to the incubator as far as counting the days. I appreciate the reply!

 

[Debbie292d]

Alright thanks so much! I didn't know how it worked with putting them under them and then moving it to the incubator as far as counting the days. I appreciate the reply!

Yup, embryos are amazing things. They can start and stop, then start again. I had just learned that in recent years, too, and was totally surprised and amazed!