Hatching eggs in an incubator

[sbrown0330]

Hello, I have tried to hatch my first batch of eggs in an incubator and it has been over 21 days and no chicks yet the temp has stayed right at 99.5 degrees and have kept water in there for moisture, should i give it a little more time or should i discard the eggs and start all over?

 

[sumi]

Have you candled them to check for development and progress during incubation?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, sbrown0330, and

! Pleased to have you with us! I'm probably the last person on BYC to give hatching advice so I'll just say good l luck and best wishes!

 

[sbrown0330]

No I havent checked during incubation not sure how I am to do that?

 

[sumi]

Candling is fairly easy, find a dark space (if possible, it's much easier done in the dark), take a nice strong flashlight and hold the egg snug over the light so it shines into the egg. It may be necessary to fold your fingers around the egg to block any light shining past. If done correctly you should be able to see what's going on in the egg in some detail. Here are some great candling pics to show you what you should see at the different stages:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...g-candling-pics-progression-though-incubation

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[drumstick diva]

are you sure the rooster was doing his job right. Roosters can have fertility issues and still act like The Stud.

 

[sbrown0330]

Thank you I will have to try this and see if there is any life in there

 

[bugglesmommy]

A second option, if you have trouble candeling or are left unsure is to float test them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ng-egg-viability-for-late-or-overdue-hatching


Have you calibrated the thermometer to make sure its correct? Many thermometers can be off by a few degrees.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!