How long before I give up on hatching eggs?

[Kansas Gal]

I set 16 hatching eggs (got them in the mail from a breeder out of state) 23 days ago. I have a JVQ incubator, and have monitored the temp, which has stayed at an even 99.5 degrees throughout. It has auto turner shelves. A week ago, I put water in the humidity tray. On Monday, I put the eggs in the hatch tray, and added sponges to the humidity tray. I have a bucket on top that distributes moisture to the humidity tray when needed. The eggs have been in lockdown since Monday. As of today, Saturday, day 23, still no sign of any chicks. I did not want to open the incubator until I got some opinions here. Do I give up on this batch of eggs, or give them a couple more days? I have gotten eggs from this breeder before, and did get 15 live hatches, but am now down to 11 chicks from the hatch. Opinions from experienced hatchers, please??

 

[pfmoore17]

Were they are developing goping into the lockdown?

 

[HEChicken]

My first question would be whether or not you saw development if you candled before lockdown? When you say they were at 99.5 the whole time, is that in a still air or circulated? If the former, it is a little cool and that might make them take a little longer to hatch. Shipped eggs are always a gamble as you don't know how they were handled from the time they left the breeder's hands until they arrived in yours. Keep us posted!

 

[Kansas Gal]

Yes, we have circulated air. I have monitored that thermometer 2-3x a day since setting the eggs. No, I did not candle the eggs before putting them in the hatch tray. I know that the eggs were mailed out around 2 pm on Tuesday, and they arrived all unbroken on Thursday morning about 8:30 am. even checked the temps between here and Illinois where they came from, and all mild temps, so I have to wonder what on earth might have happened. When should I just give up on hoping for any hatches? I have not opened the incubator, but shine the flashlight into the hatch tray, and see no pipping, no movement at all.I know getting hatching eggs through the mail is always a risk, but one I was willing to take for the two breeds I was wanting, but cannot find around here.

 

[crankster76]

sounds like its to late. if ya had a stephascope ya could listen for a heartbeat or movement. sorry for ya....

 

[savannahchickmom]

My last hatch didn't start pipping until day 23. I was sure they were dead, but had 9 hatch out over the next 2 days. I noticed one of mine slightly moving, that gave me a little hope to hold onto. With encouragement from these boards, I gave it a few more hours & was so glad I did!

Good luck!!!

 

[Kansas Gal]

I did not check them/candle them. Guess I need to learn how to do it, but just never have. I just cannot figure why NONE of the eggs has hatched at all! This came from an experienced breeder with a good reputation. I am just sick about it.This experience has cost me BIG bucks,and I guess in the future if I want hatching eggs, I will drive to the state where the eggs are. I guess I am not alone, however!

 

[HEChicken]

Candling is actually super easy. All you need is a good LED flashlight. I take my eggs into my bathroom because its the only room with no windows, so I can do it any time of the day. I hold the egg in one hand and place the flashlight right against the shell. It lights the whole egg up and its easy to see a clear egg from one that has something in it. Depending on how good your flashlight is (and with experience) you can also see things like aircell, veining in the early stages, and even chick movement. The first time I candled was at day 10, and I really didn't know what I was looking at. I peered and peered, trying to figure out if that dark blob was development or yolk. And then it moved - it was SO exciting. Kinda like seeing a baby move in an ultrasound!

 

[Kansas Gal]

thanks for the tip on candling! I am just super frustrated right now! Chicks were due on Thursday, but I did not get into a panic until Saturday. Today (Sunday) I know I heard a peep when I was near the incubator, but did not see that any eggs moved. Guess I should open up the incubator and try candling the eggs. Guess I am just paranoid about opening the incubator during this time just in case there are any live babies in there, but then, what have I got to lose at this point? I have been in there 3x checking the eggs through the window this afternoon, but do not see any cracks or hear any more peeping. Only heard it a couple times late this morning. Sigh!

 

[lincolnsilkies]

Well hey ya heard peeping this am!!! I would wait they just may be a bit later on hatching i would give it a couple more day