Is it worth cracking an egg.

[BaileyBoy]

I have been incubating my eggs for 20 days now and i still don't see any development except for in one egg. They are due to hatch tomorrow. Even though I don't see any development, I also don't smell any wicked smells. Do you think it is worth it to crack an egg open. I literally have RIR eggs and only see development in one of them. the rest have what looks like a yolk just sitting there and kind of moves around as i turn the egg. Also, if i open an egg, and there is life, how do i close it back up. Finally, If only one of the eggs hatch won't they die of depression if they are all alone?

 

[Wisher1000]

That is why you candle. If there is no development, and it appears there's not, they are likely not fertile. Just toss them. On the one that is developing, yes, it will need a buddy. Try to find another chick or give it a mirror and a soft bundle to cuddle up to. If you have other chickens, try putting the brooder where it can be visited by the adults, but not touched, they will try to kill it if they can. Single chicks can be raised, but they are a pain and become spoiled rotten house chickens.

BTW - once you crack open an egg, there is no good way to close it. Be careful not to open developing eggs, but yours are not. If there is a chick inside, you should only see the air cell in one end. The rest will be too dark to see through. If, at 20 days, the developing egg is not completely dark except for the air cell in the big end. It is likely dead, but leave it till day 23 - 25 (as long as there is no smell) just to make sure.

Good luck and let us know what happens!