I goofed-need advice.

[mizwilli]

I am hatching 10 eggs (I think they are called rat chickens-they like mice) anyway, I have been gone for a week and left instruction for family to turn off the egg turner on day 18 which was Monday the 29th. I got home on Wednesday and realized that I forgot to tell them to remove the egg turner and place the eggs on the wire rack. So I immedatly removed the turner and placed eggs on wire on day 20. Today is day 21, hatching day, and no movement, no pipping, no rocking. How badly did I screw up my hatching process?

 

[AmyLynn2374]

I am hatching 10 eggs (I think they are called rat chickens-they like mice) anyway, I have been gone for a week and left instruction for family to turn off the egg turner on day 18 which was Monday the 29th. I got home on Wednesday and realized that I forgot to tell them to remove the egg turner and place the eggs on the wire rack. So I immedatly removed the turner and placed eggs on wire on day 20. Today is day 21, hatching day, and no movement, no pipping, no rocking. How badly did I screw up my hatching process?

Well, most chickens like mice if they can catch them.

Ok, so the fact that they weren't laid down is not a big deal. As a matter of fact many hatchers hatch out upright in cut down cartons. (I'd never recommend hatching in the egg turners though because they can cause chicks to end up with leg injuries as they try to get around on them.) So, you don't have to worry about that being a cause for a compriomised hatch. Now, it being day 21 and no action could mean that they are a little delayed because of temps being a little low, or something more drastic.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

And

 

[mizwilli]

The temp has been 99.5/100. Can I candle them at 21 days to see if they are alive? Still no movement.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

The temp has been 99.5/100. Can I candle them at 21 days to see if they are alive? Still no movement.

Yes, you can candle them. I would. Just make sure that when you are done, if they are still moving and alive that you get the humidity back up for hatch. Do you have a still air or forced air incubator and have you checked the thermometer for accuracy?

 

[mizwilli]

Forced air, 3 chicks have hatched, 2 to go. I guess they were late hatchers. Candled them. Saw air pocket but no movement. Leaving them alone and watching. Thank you everyone for comments and confidence. You guys always make me feel better. My second time hatching and I keep second guessing myself, thats when I start doughting myself.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Forced air, 3 chicks have hatched, 2 to go. I guess they were late hatchers. Candled them. Saw air pocket but no movement. Leaving them alone and watching. Thank you everyone for comments and confidence. You guys always make me feel better. My second time hatching and I keep second guessing myself, thats when I start doughting myself.

Congrats on the 3!! I would definitely check the thermometers for accuracy. This late points to temps being cooler than recommended.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending great hatching vibes your way. Please let us know how it all turns out.

 

[mizwilli]

Thanks you for helping out, appreciate it very much.