Need emergency help please!!! Newbie to site and first time incubating and hatching my own eggs

[Danceswitchicks]

Hello y'all,

This is my first time trying to hatch my own eggs. I have a very simple home made incubator, (embarrassed to post it) but anyhow with the help of this site, I have been able to maintain temp/humidityO2/. Today is Day 20, in lockdown but have no pips!! I candled the eggs on day 18 and removed 3 very smelly eggs

. I',m pretty sure the rest are good, seeing movement/veins when candled. I started bout a year and a half ago but slowly started losing to predators (a coon!) I would never have imagined, but caught
a it a couple of weeks ago and took care of it!
Needless to say, due to finances, need to rebuild my flock myself! I set all eggs at the same time, as well as collecting appropriately.
When should I see egg rolling or pipping????
TIA,
Kat

 

[lazy gardener]

Could be any time. If your thermometer was a bit low, your hatch could be delayed. Have you read "hatching eggs 101" in the learning center? Lots of wonderful information there.

 

[Danceswitchicks]

Hi,
Yes I did read it actually through and through. Its where I got my info for making an incubator, etc. So should I still "lock down" at this time?
TIA,
Kat

 

[WalnutHill]

Yes, typically you would lock down on day 18, and expect pips around day 20 and hatch on day 21. Older eggs, bigger eggs, and cooler temps lead to delayed hatches. While there is movement, there is hope.

 

[Danceswitchicks]

Would it endanger the chicks to candle them one more time? Like I said, this is my first time trying to hatch my own and I want to be sure I am not waiting in vain

. This is day 21, I just checked them and still no pips!
Thanks,
Kat

 

[WalnutHill]

If there is no pip, there is no danger in candling. Go ahead! And give the sniff test while you are at it.

 

[Danceswitchicks]

Guess what everyone.....I'm so excited....was getting ready to candle and saw my first PIP!!!!!. I had done the sniff tst before lockdown and everything was good.
Should I wait now before candling???

SOOOO excited over a little silly chick, and I thought I was getting old
Thanks,
Kat

 

[WalnutHill]

Congrats on the pip! I've hatched many hundreds of chicks and poults and it never gets old.

Don't disturb the eggs with unnecessary handling. Let them hatch!