Waiting for Hatching: What to Expect and When to Intervene.

I recently put some fertilized eggs under my broody hens in the hopes of hatching some adorable chicks. It’s been three weeks since I set the eggs and I’m anxiously waiting for them to hatch.

I haven’t candled the eggs during this time, so I’m not sure if they are viable or not.

I’m wondering if I should be hearing any pipping sounds from the eggs by now and if it’s okay to pick them up and check on them.

Should I be Hearing Pipping Sounds?

Pipping is the sound that chicks make when they are breaking through the shell during hatching. It can be a very exciting sound to hear, especially for a new chicken owner. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all chicks will make pipping sounds before hatching. Some chicks may be quieter and less active during the hatching process, so don’t be too concerned if you don’t hear any sounds yet.

It’s also important to note that the exact timing of hatching can vary based on a number of factors, including the breed of chicken, the temperature and humidity in the incubator or brooder, and the overall health of the eggs. Some chicks may hatch a few days earlier or later than expected, so it’s important to be patient and allow the chicks to hatch on their own schedule.

Can I Pick Up the Eggs to Check on Them?

It’s generally not recommended to pick up eggs during the hatching process, as this can disrupt the hatching process and cause the chicks to become stressed or even die. If you are concerned about the health of the chicks, the best thing to do is to wait a bit longer and observe the behavior of the broody hen.

If the hen is still sitting on the eggs and appears to be attentive and protective of them, this is a good sign that the eggs are developing properly and that the chicks will likely hatch soon. However, if the hen has abandoned the nest or is no longer showing interest in the eggs, this may be a sign that the eggs are not viable and will not hatch.

Wait and Observe.

The best thing to do in this situation is to wait another day or two and continue to observe the behavior of the broody hen. If she is still sitting on the eggs and appears to be attentive, this is a good sign that the eggs are developing and that the chicks will likely hatch soon.

It’s important to resist the urge to interfere with the hatching process, as this can cause unnecessary stress for the chicks and potentially harm their health. Remember, chickens have been hatching eggs on their own for centuries without any human intervention, so it’s best to let nature take its course.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my eggs are fertile? A: Candling the eggs at about 7-10 days after incubation can help determine whether the eggs are fertile or not. Look for veins or dark spots inside the egg which indicate the development of a chick.
2. Can I candle the eggs after day 10 of incubation? A: It’s not recommended as the embryos become more sensitive to movement and temperature fluctuations as they develop. Moving the eggs around or exposing them to light could cause damage or death to the developing chicks.
3. Is it safe to pick up eggs during incubation? A: It’s best to avoid handling the eggs during incubation, especially after the first week. The developing embryos are delicate and could be harmed by excessive movement or jostling.
4. How long does it take for eggs to hatch? A: The incubation period for chicken eggs is about 21 days, but can vary slightly depending on factors like temperature and humidity.
5. How long should I wait for eggs to hatch before assuming they’re not fertile? A: It’s best to wait at least 25-30 days before assuming the eggs are not fertile. Sometimes, hatching can be delayed due to factors like low temperature or humidity, or the chicks may simply take longer to develop.

Conclusion

As a new chicken owner, it’s natural to feel anxious and excited about the hatching process. However, it’s important to be patient and allow the chicks to hatch on their own schedule. If you are concerned about the health of the chicks, the best thing to do is to wait and observe the behavior of the broody hen. By giving the chicks the time and space they need to hatch on their own, you’ll be rewarded with healthy and happy chicks that are ready to join your flock.