I need someone to reasure me!!

At worst, they will probably just be a little late, so patience will be important at hatch time. I have heard much worse temp fluctuations and folks still got chicks to hatch.

 

I agree with hinkjc. 97 is the bottom of the temperature range so they should be ok. I worry more when it goes over temperature than under. Usually it just delays hatching a little bit

T

 

You have to keep in mind that in nature, the mother hen can leave the nest at times to eat and drink. The egg temp will drop at this time. It does not mean that all eggs are going to spontaneously die.

It really depends on how long the eggs were at that temp and why your temps dropped. Keep an eye on everything and make sure your temp gets back up. You may need to expect a later hatch, but that is usually a day or maybe 2. Don't stress

 

Might delay hatching, but should be ok.