I think I've lost one :-( please help!

[EmmaJane88]

Hi guys- I candled the egg x3 over a period of 4 hours with no obvious movement... Even with veins (not as big as others) can I assume I've lost them? Xxx

 

[thomp119]

I would just keep it in the bator and see what happens. It won't explode at this point.

 

[bugglesmommy]

Wait until they are past due and float test them.

To float test them place them in warm - not hot-air water and let the egg and water settle. Once the egg stops drifting and the water is still watch for movement. In water even the slightest internal movement will make the egg wiiggle and water ripple. Never do this with pipped eggs.

 

[EmmaJane88]

Can I do this with the egg now or do I need to wait for the rest to hatch? Thanks for the advice

 

[bugglesmommy]

I think its best to wait until the egg is past die for the same reasons you should not wash an egg.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ng-egg-viability-for-late-or-overdue-hatching

 

[EmmaJane88]

Good point. I'm 100% certain she's died though but will wait and see. Have many people observed no movement (prolonged) and had the egg hatch? I know they rest during development but she didn't move for the 4hrs I candled it (on and off, short periods). I'm just sad, was really proud that I'd had no quitters til now! :-( xxx

 

[bugglesmommy]

I am normally pretty good at spotting quitters but sometimes your gut can lie. Yesterday I was sure an overdue still egg with no visible movement in over 2 days was dead and cracked open a chunk of air cell. I was wrong for the first time. I kicked myself mentally so hard for not floating that time. I was too sure it was dead and the chick payed the price. Better to wait then make a mistake like I did. I got overconfident. As long as it doesn't stink you have nothing to lose by waiting.

 

[EmmaJane88]

Thank you

Luckily my incubator is at my mums... Means I can't hover over it obsessing.

I've just got an awful feeling none of them will hatch. 4/5 are looking good (one is a week behind- only one of that batch to be fertile). But I figure if ones gone then the others could too. Gah!! Xxx

 

[EmmaJane88]

How come pipping the air cell killed your chick? Had it not internally pipped? I'm sorry that happened :-( hope you're ok! Xxx

 

[bugglesmommy]

No, it hadn't internally pipped. It hung on another day but then didn't make it. It is an unfortunate lesson for me but I have been hardened a bit by hatching now. As I was told when I started- hatching isn't for the feint hearted. Losses happen, especially when you hatch as often as I do. I got twenty three healthy chicks from that hatch so I take comfort in the life I have, not the losses. Like this sizzle!