When to end incubation?

[GreenRunner]

I've always hatched under a broody before and she knows best....leaving the nest when her eggs are done. I was just wondering what the rule is for incubators? Day 21 was Friday and I've had six chicks - one of which we may lose because of a leg deformity. However, I never candled the eggs so I've no idea how many eggs were fertile.....there were 18 in total.

I know six from 18 is poor, but these were hatching eggs and sent through the post AND my first time, so I wasn't expecting a huge amount. But when should I give up on more hatches? It's day 24 now and no sign of any more pips.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I would suggest you check the eggs to see if you hear any peeping from them - you might also consider a water candling (inspect carefully first to assure NO pips in the shell).
If you detect no peeping and the water candle points to negative I would suggest a couple of egg-topsies to determine where the problem lies - whether they never developed or developed and then quit (and when) to better pinpoint where adjustments may be made in your incubation process to better your hatch rates next time.

 

[RubyNala97]

Here the directions for float testing the rest of the eggs.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ng-egg-viability-for-late-or-overdue-hatching

 

[GreenRunner]

Thank you! I've just float tested the eggs - all remaining 12 seem potentially viable. No rocking or wiggling though, but low float with just the top above (I guess where the air sack is). I'm not holding out too much hope as I can't see why six would've already hatched out and these haven't.

Will be absolutely gutted if all these eggs made it to full term and then didn't get out the egg! Awful. Will have to learn for next time.

 

[GreenRunner]

Did another candle today - this time with my iPhone - and seems that none of the remaining eggs actually made it to term. Many are duds and a few started but cut out half way through. In a way I'm relieved....I think it'd have been far worse to have seen all these tiny dead-in-the shell chicks.

So....I need to get some more eggs and start the process again. I also have to work out what to do with this little damaged chick. I think I'm going to have to cull.

If it could stand, I could at least try and sort the curled toes out, but it doesn't even have the strength and just pushes itself around on its belly. Does anyone know the most humane way to say goodbye?

 

[RubyNala97]

Did another candle today - this time with my iPhone - and seems that none of the remaining eggs actually made it to term. Many are duds and a few started but cut out half way through. In a way I'm relieved....I think it'd have been far worse to have seen all these tiny dead-in-the shell chicks. 

So....I need to get some more eggs and start the process again. I also have to work out what to do with this little damaged chick. I think I'm going to have to cull.   If it could stand, I could at least try and sort the curled toes out, but it doesn't even have the strength and just pushes itself around on its belly. Does anyone know the most humane way to say goodbye?

What's going on with the chick? Can you post a pic? Splayed legs & curled toes can be corrected but the sooner you act the better.

 

[GreenRunner]

What's going on with the chick? Can you post a pic? Splayed legs & curled toes can be corrected but the sooner you act the better.

Hi Ruby,

I'm afraid I had to say goodbye to chick. After two days it was distraught and pushing itself around on its stomach. It couldn't stand at all, regardless of whether I splinted its legs and put booties on; it would just lie there trying to kick. I guess that's part of hatching sometimes.

However, its sibling who I also had to help out of the shell is doing wonderfully. Very boisterous and stands up to the much larger Polish bantam chicks that hatched at the same time.