- Jan 16, 2015
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I have 4 chicken eggs out of 8 that pipped well over a day ago. Two have been cheeping loudly since yesterday. There has been no progress and no zipping. The humidity is high so I don't think the membranes have dried out, but this is my first time using an incubator AND these were shipped eggs (which I understand can have their own issues). Are they in trouble?
My biggest question is SHOULD THEY HAVE HATCHED OR MADE MORE PROGRESS ON THEIR OWN BY NOW?
Is it time to intervene in some small way? I'd rather not lose these particular chicks if they have any chance. I worked as a vet assistant so I'm not squeamish about assisting if they'll die for sure if I don't. (and believe me, I've been reading every article I can get my hands on about it). And prepared to offer extra care afterwards.
EXTRA INFO --- This is Day 21 in the incubator. The young broody hen (who had tried to brood everything in sight for five days) sat on them for three days around the clock, then abandoned them completely. I waited for hours until I saw she was roosting with the rest of the flock that night, then put them in the incubator.
My biggest question is SHOULD THEY HAVE HATCHED OR MADE MORE PROGRESS ON THEIR OWN BY NOW?
Is it time to intervene in some small way? I'd rather not lose these particular chicks if they have any chance. I worked as a vet assistant so I'm not squeamish about assisting if they'll die for sure if I don't. (and believe me, I've been reading every article I can get my hands on about it). And prepared to offer extra care afterwards.
EXTRA INFO --- This is Day 21 in the incubator. The young broody hen (who had tried to brood everything in sight for five days) sat on them for three days around the clock, then abandoned them completely. I waited for hours until I saw she was roosting with the rest of the flock that night, then put them in the incubator.
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