My chicks were due to hatch yesturday but haven't even started, I candled them tonight and they are very active inside still. What do I do? How long can they go over their hatch date? How long do I wait until I dispose of the eggs?
Well, not all hatch on day 21. Some strains are slower, and sometimes incubator temp variation can slow them down. I'd wait till at least day 24 if they are chicken chicks that are due. Hold tight and do not open the incubator any more. Any chilling and lost of humidity can and will slow them down at this point. The last few days are the hardest.
They have lots of time, don't worry! Day 21 is just a general number, some hatch earlier and some lay later. I'm going on day 24 with 3 eggs, one has pipped so hopefully in the morning I'll have another chick racing around. Good luck
If you are hatching pullet eggs they may need your help. If you have had humidity problems, they may need your help. I would candle them and when you see them bobbing around in the air sack, crack the air sack end and give them a few hours back in the incubator. Then you can start to open the egg - stop if there is a lot of blood - put bleeders back in the incubator for 12 hours. Only open the egg enough to let the head out and let it rest for a while and hopefully it will kick the shell off on it's own. If no one is up in the air sac, then your eggs are likely delayed as other mentioned.
THANK YOU so much for the advice I've been so upset about this whole thing and puzzled. I was told that 21 day was it. Being my first time I am so glad I have your experience to help me along. My kids will be so excited if the chicks make it!!! Smiles and I'll send pics when they hatch!