Bobwhite not hatching?!

[Kayla1baker]

I seen the egg wobbling at day 19 or 20! Today is Day 23 and never saw movement since! A bit worried!! Is this normal?

 

[JaeG]

The wobbling is just when they are turning in the egg to get into the right position to hatch. Then they settle in and wait for the right moment. They can't be far off hatching now - the waiting is torture I know.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

The wobbling is just when they are turning in the egg to get into the right position to hatch. Then they settle in and wait for the right moment. They can't be far off hatching now - the waiting is torture I know.

Actually it's already on Day 23, I would start panicking now.

 

[JaeG]

Actually it's already on Day 23, I would start panicking now.

Bobwhites take a little longer to hatch than some breeds of quail. Their incubation period is 23-24 days.

 

[Kayla1baker]

Bobwhites take a little longer to hatch than some breeds of quail. Their incubation period is 23-24 days.

Thank you JaeG appericate your response!!

 

[Kayla1baker]

Bobwhites take a little longer to hatch than some breeds of quail. Their incubation period is 23-24 days.

Woke up this morning and humidity was 60 can I open the incubator to add some water right quick!?

 

[JaeG]

Yes, do. Make sure it's about the same temperature as your incubator.

 

[Kayla1baker]

Yes, do. Make sure it's about the same temperature as your incubator.

Haven't seen anything yet! Hoping they hatch! Dont know what to be looking for with the air cell?!

 

[Kayla1baker]

Yes, do. Make sure it's about the same temperature as your incubator.

They haven't pipped yet

 

[JaeG]

Haven't seen anything yet! Hoping they hatch! Dont know what to be looking for with the air cell?!

If none have pipped then I'd take them out one by one for a quick candle to see what's going on (and at least with Bobwhites it's much easier to see than with some other quails eggs). Keep them in the same position in as they are sitting/lying in the incubator (as much as you possibly can). The air cell develops quite a slant to it just before the chick internally pips. You may see the chick pushing against the membrane between it and the air cell if they are at that stage. If the chick has died it will look very black and lumpy and will sink towards the narrow end of the egg with a watery layer between it and the air cell. If the chick is still alive the egg should look full and red under the air cell. If the chick has internally pipped you'll see a little shadow beak in the air cell and it will be moving a little, confused at where that bright light came from. If it's very still the chick has died before it has externally pipped but watch for a little while before thinking it's dead - I even give them a bit more time and check again the next day just in case it froze at the weird, bright light.

Make sure your vents are open as chicks need a lot of fresh air as they hatch.

Fingers crossed!