Question about hatching

[dandydoodle]

My broody has been sitting on for 22 days. I was told it takes 21 days for them to hatch. How long should I leave the the eggs down there before I make the call that they are just not gonna hatch. Thanks for the help.

Michelle

 

[dsqard]

Will the broody let you reach under her to candle the eggs?

 

[TexChix2]

If you can pull them out one at a time this may be a quicker test than candling: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=383525 . I'm not sure you can see much if you candle past day 18 because the chicks take up so much space. Have you tried peeping to the eggs and listening for a response? The waiting can be unbearable--I hear you.

Good luck!

 

[jvls1942]

why not just let the hen do her thing? candling and messing around will quell your curiosity, but it does nothing to help the hatch.. if the eggs are not going to hatch, the broody will quit the nest..

 

[punky rooster]

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Yeah, I agree.

 

[jvls1942]

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Yeah, I agree.

thank you.. great minds thinking alike..

 

[dandydoodle]

This is my first hatch. I have tried to candle but, not much luck. I can't see through the shell.

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[dandydoodle]

Thanks