How Long?

[sm070468k]

How long after the eggs/chicks are due to hatch should you wait before removing the unhatched eggs from the nest? I'd sure hate to end up with stink bomb in my chicken coop

 

[Cattitude]

Candle them first... they should be mostly dark with an air sac. If any are weeping or stinky, get them out immediately. Most folks agree that after day 25 or 26, there is not much chance for a hatch. I hope you get some babies soon!

 

[sm070468k]

Thank you. They are at day 23. We leave on vacation on Saturday and would hate to come back to an even smellier chicken coop. I think I will candle them tomorrow and get rid of any not hatched by time we leave. Thanks again