Reasons for Delayed Chick Hatching in Summer
Typically, chicken eggs hatch around the 21st day of incubation. However, there are instances where hatching may be delayed until the 23rd day. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, with the most significant reasons including:
Low Temperatures
Lower temperatures can lead to a delay in chicken egg hatching. This issue is not limited to winter; even during summer, if the incubation environment remains cool for too long, it can impede hatching. While summer typically offers warm weather, eggs may still be subjected to lower temperatures if transported improperly or if air incubators are used ineffectively.
Eggs Outside of the Incubator
Hatching delays can also occur if eggs have been outside of the incubator for an extended period before being placed inside. This can prolong the hatching time by up to 25 days. If the delay extends beyond this, the eggs may have deteriorated. To assess the viability of the eggs, one can submerge them in warm water; if they move, it indicates the presence of a developing embryo.
Dehydration of Egg Membrane
After a chick begins to peck at the eggshell, it typically takes around 24 hours to fully emerge. In some cases, the egg membrane may become excessively dry, preventing the chicks from breaking free, hence delaying hatching. Assistance can be provided by gently cracking the shell around them.
Defective Eggs
Eggs may be defective, leading to a failure to hatch. This issue can arise from two main factors: either the egg itself is infertile, or it spent too long outside the incubator before proper placement or was stored in low-temperature conditions prior to incubation.
Embryo Mortality at Early Stages
Embryonic death can occur within the egg, resulting in no hatching. This problem may arise from inadequate temperature exposure, incorrect humidity levels, improper orientation of the eggs within the incubator, or bacterial or fungal infections.
Stagnation in Embryo Development
Occasionally, embryos may cease to grow within the egg, leading to hatching failures. This stagnation can occur due to significant fluctuations in temperature during incubation or repeated drops in humidity within the incubator.