If my embryo isn't wriggling at 13 days is it dead? Please help?

[Bantam Username]

I also only did them for about 10 - 20 seconds after the water calmed. Think I may need to try again!

 

[Shayna]

I know nothing about the float test - but I read somewhere that the float test is only good for eggs that are full term (to see if eggs are still alive that didn't hatch past their hatch date) An explanation was given something about the size of the baby or amount of liquid still in the egg when they are younger that makes the float test inaccurate.
I don't know if any of that is true or not, but worth checking into before you decide your baby is dead from a float test. I've also read that some people just continue to check for development and don't worry about movement. Good luck to you! Hoping it's doing ok!

AHA! Found the thread I was reading about the float test: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=561048

 

[Bantam Username]

Thanks, I will leave them alone now and wait and see.
When I cracked open the bad egg and saw the tiny chick inside I thought I was gonna cry. I stared at it for 5 whole minutes to check there was no heartbeat, which there wasn't.
I actually decided there and then that I wasn't going to open any more at least, as that egg had a big blood ring but had never at any point shown a dark speck to say it had a chick in there. This little thing was only about 2cm long but was definately 'chick without a beak' shaped.
I have another egg which doesn't look like it has a chick in either but am leaving that one and hoping that I just can't see the dark shape because its hiding.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

I was also wondering about the float test on eggs so young. I would be worried about the shells taking up too much moisture and possibly drowning anything that might be alive inside. I candled my eggs at day 14. Just looking for development/air cells. Wasn't worrying about movement. Hatch is supposed to be this weekend. I guess I'll find out then if I should have been looking for movement.

 

[Bantam Username]

Quote:
Its only because I have one egg that is very active every time I candle it that I have been worrying about the others. I've never done this before!

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote:
Patience, little one. Patience.

I firmly believe, the less we mess with the eggs, the better. The answers will be revealed soon enough.

If they haven't hatched after 24 days or so, THEN you can mess with them.

Good luck!!

 

[CluckCluck18]

I just learned this myself after using the float test too soon and killing a perfect 10 day old chick! Then float test is meant to be used post hatch at around 24 days. I tested an egg that sunk, thought it was infertile and then killed it. The experts on this site say if it isn't smelly or oozy be patient and let it be. I spent a very sad and sleepless night over this and want to spare you the same thing!

 

[MetalSmitten]

i honestly would believe that eggs on day 14 would be developed enough for the float test to at least give an idea (hence, comparing the doubtful eggs to the known living egg to check for comparison). the sinkers for sure are duds at that age, it means they quit early and the air sac isn't large enough to float the egg. i have successfully used this test on eggs not yet at term, though i think mine were at day 18-19 (momma hen abandoned a nest so i had to check them before putting them in the bator). everything is a learning experience.