When to throw in the towel

[Trog]

So, when does a person actually throw in the towel with a hatch? This is day 23 and no signs of hatching.

 

[ginbart]

I had some hatch 5 days late. If they don't smell let them in. Did you try and candle one? Did your temp go down at all?

Sorry forgot to say,

 

[Trog]

I haven't touched them in a few days. I was told to not open the incubator under any circumstance. Should I try to candle one?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I would candle each of the before you quit.

 

[ginbart]

I would candle, also how many to you have in the bator?

 

[pgpoultry]

I agree with the last couple of posts, some eggs can take a fair few days more to hatch than the stated 21 especially if the temperature has been a bit low,
Good Luck and let us know if any hatch,
Sandie

 

[Trog]

I have 18 in the incubator...brown eggs. Temp has been right around 100deg. (with the exception of the past few days, with me opening it n' stuff)

I did candle them last night, seems dark. I see the ring and that's about it. Will there be any movement that I can see?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
Do you have a fan in your bator or no?


Depending on how dark brown your eggs are, you might only be able to see the air cell - so look for a beak/head in the cell. I give the eggs a little tap or two with my nail before candling - trying to wake the chick if still alive so I can see it wiggle.

 

[Trog]

That's what i was wondering. I candled them lastnight. No movement, but I didn't think about tapping the egg:/
I don't dare open the incubator any more. I'm gonna just wait for some pips or stink...Right? No fan. Just holes. They're closed.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

If you do not have a fan, your temps are a bit low (I believe - I have a fan and run mine at 99.5/100). Still air needs to be 101 or 102 at the top of the eggs (I think - others will say for sure).


Low temps means your hatch will be delayed.


What are your humidity levels?



The holes in your bator are closed? Why? I have mine fully open.