Why would an chicken egg not hatch?

There are many reasons why a chicken egg might not hatch. Here are some of the most common:

Issues with the Egg Itself:

* Unfertilized: This is the most common reason. A fertilized egg needs a rooster to have been present for fertilization to occur.

* Damaged Shell: Cracks or holes in the shell can allow bacteria to enter and prevent the embryo from developing.

* Poor Quality: Eggs that are too old, have been mishandled, or have been stored at incorrect temperatures may not be viable.

* Double Yolk: While not impossible to hatch, these eggs are less likely to hatch successfully.

* Abnormal Development: Sometimes, embryos develop abnormalities that prevent them from hatching, such as missing limbs or internal organ defects.

Environmental Factors:

* Incubation Temperature: The temperature during incubation needs to be within a very narrow range (usually 99.5°F). Too hot or too cold, and the embryo will not develop properly.

* Humidity: The humidity level during incubation is also crucial. Too low and the embryo will dry out; too high and it can suffocate.

* Turning: Eggs need to be turned regularly during incubation to ensure that the developing embryo doesn't stick to the shell.

* Incubation Time: Incubation time varies slightly but generally lasts about 21 days. If an egg is incubated for too long, the embryo can die.

Other Factors:

* Disease: The hen could have been carrying a disease that affected the egg, making it unviable.

* Genetics: Sometimes, certain breeds or individual hens are simply less fertile.

* Stress: Stressed hens are less likely to produce viable eggs.

It's important to remember that even with the best care, some eggs simply won't hatch. There are many factors that can contribute to a non-hatching egg, and often it's impossible to know the exact reason.