Still no chicks after candling full shadow eggs

[Pollmadoll]

Hi there I am getting anxious about my broody hen hatching 5 eggs. I have incubated successfully two years running but due to not knowing how long the eggs have been under the broody it is guesswork by candling???? I candled the eggs two days ago and the air cell was high and the egg full of dark matter. Hopefully healthy chicks about to hatch. But still no hatch?!?!

 

[JaeG]

The air cell will develop a tilt and draw down on one side at around day 18. It doesn't sound like they are quite at that stage yet?

 

[Kizmet]

Sounds like you just have to wait.

 

[Pollmadoll]

I feel like the impatient father pacing the maternity wing corridors

 

[JaeG]

I feel like the impatient father pacing the maternity wing corridors

We all know exactly how you feel. If they were in an incubator you'd sit and stare at them all day, or constantly find excuses to check on them just in case something is happening. It's torture. I'm used to hatching quail which pop out on day 18. We've just started incubating Muscovy duck eggs which take twice as long to incubate. The suspense is already killing me and it's only day 4!

 

[Pollmadoll]

My next question is how long can, eggs past their hatch day under a broody last if chick is dead inside? I still am hoping the chicks will hatch as I have no clear idea at what stage they are? Candling they look fully developed but I have seen no movement?????