Author Topic: Hatching question (Read 2009 times)

aaronsundin · « **on:** July 08, 2012, 12:15:07 pm »

Hi everyone ,
I have a light sussex hen who's been sitting on 5 eggs . Day 21 came and went last thursday and nothing happened . I thought the whole thing was a failure but yesterday afternoon I took a quick look and one egg had started to hatch . I left her to it and on inspection this morning she has one tiny chick to her name ! I took a look at the remaining eggs but could see so sign of any more hatching . My questions are - should I remove the rest of the eggs , if so when ? Or will she just give up on them herself in her own time and concentrate on her chick ? At the moment she is still sitting on the other 4 eggs with the young chick.
Many thanks.

jaykay · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2012, 12:21:38 pm »

Can you candle the eggs and see what's happening? (bright LED torch is good if no candler).

aaronsundin · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2012, 01:06:17 pm »

Thanks jaykay , have now candled the remaining eggs - 3 completely clear , which I've now disposed of ( just smelly gone off eggs ) . The 4th egg when candled looks solid - can't see air sack or anything . Am guessing this is probably a late death . Have left it with the hen for now - should discard soon though I assume ?

jaykay · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2012, 01:48:10 pm »

Yes, I'd see how the dark one goes but if nothing in a day or so, take it away. If it were alive you'd see some movement, ie the beak trying to get into the air sac, at this stage.

darkbrowneggs · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2012, 01:52:42 pm »

If you take it out after dark and float it in warm water then if it is alive you will see signs of slight movement from the egg. If so replace it under the hen. If after the bowl of water is absolutely still the egg shows no movement whatsoever it probably will not hatch.