Help, day 23 under broody, no pip

[chickenchick123]

Hiya, any suggestions?
I haven't candled the eggs at all, I didn't want to disturb my broody.
I wanted to put day olds under her when the eggs she on start to pip but not even sure if these eggs were fertile now, different cockerel to last year. The chicks at the farm are 2 days old now and I don't want to miss my window for the adoption!
Days 20,21 and 22 she didn't move from nest, but this morning she got off again to poop etc for 5 mins. This would suggest that she can't hear any Chicks or she wouldn't have left them. Is this right? I had a quick look at eggs and no pips on them.
It's a little frustrating no being able to check on the eggs like when they are in an incubator!
Please help!:/

 

[Free Feather]

I would candle. If nothing, just stick the chicks under her. Those eggs could be half rotten for all you know.

 

[4chickns]

I would candle. If nothing, just stick the chicks under her. Those eggs could be half rotten for all you know.

I agree, I always candle 2 times when they're under a broody, they never seem to mind, I just grab a few out at a time so they always feel like they're sitting on something. Otherwise you have no idea what to expect, and could certainly have some rotten eggs.

 

[chickenchick123]

Thanks, I think that I will put some chicks under tonight and take eggs out from under her. What should I see if I candle now?

 

[Free Feather]

It should be mostly black with a clear circle at the bottom, the air cell. In the clear circle there should be veins. If it looks cloudy or it jiggles around a bunch, or if the whole thing is clear, and no veins, it is no good. You can find tons of candling pictures on line.

 

[4chickns]

If you are certain they are on day 23, they should be completely full except for the air cell, and you may be able to see an internal pip and hear some chirping if they are still alive. I have never had any hatch that late under one of my hens, but plenty of people have had late hatches. I wouldn't put the chicks under her until you have candled the eggs in case they are still alive. Many people do a water test, though I never have. There are some articles in the learning center about candling that are extremely informative. Hopefully someone can inform you about water candling as I have no experience with that.
Good luck with the chicks and the eggs!

 

[chickenchick123]

Thanks I will look up candleing pics and water test and see whats easiest to do.