How do you know if your chicks have died in the eggs?

It's heartbreaking to find that your chicks haven't hatched, but there are a few ways to tell if they died in the egg:

Signs of a dead chick in the egg:

* No movement: A healthy chick will pip and chirp, making noises as it breaks out of the shell. If there's no movement or sounds from the egg after hatching day, it's likely the chick died.

* Collapsed shell: If the shell collapses inward, it can be an indicator that the chick died and was unable to break out.

* Smell: A dead chick will start to decompose, producing a foul smell.

* Discoloration: The egg may become discolored or have a darker, purplish hue.

* No "pip": A healthy chick will typically "pip" (make a small hole) in the shell to get some air before fully hatching. If there's no "pip" by the end of the expected hatching period, the chick likely didn't survive.

Important notes:

* Timing: Hatching times can vary, so don't panic immediately if a chick hasn't hatched on the expected date.

* Candling: Candling (shining a light through the egg) can help you see if the chick is developing, but it's not always accurate for determining if the chick is dead.

* Check for movement: Before opening the egg, try gently shaking it to see if you can feel any movement.

What to do if you find a dead chick:

* Remove it from the incubator: Dispose of the egg safely. You can bury it or discard it in a sealed plastic bag.

* Clean the incubator: Clean and disinfect the incubator to prevent the spread of disease.

* Investigate: If you have multiple dead chicks, try to figure out what caused it. It could be due to improper temperature, humidity, or turning.

It's natural to feel disappointed if you lose chicks, but it's important to remember that sometimes things happen, and it's not always your fault.