72+ hrs since first pip, how much longer?

[Gardencottager]

Pardon me for just jumping in with questions on my first post. I’ve read a lot on here for many years and really appreciate the advice and help but now have a question I’ve been unable to find an answer to.

I have a chick that has had problems hatching- it hadn’t progressed from the pip stage for about 24hrs so I started to help out a little but realised the blood vessels hadn’t absorbed so left it and checked it about every 12hrs. In total it’s been about 72hrs now, the blood vessels have absorbed but I can see the yolk sac hasn’t fully absorbed. The chick is still partially in the bottom half of the shell in a cup and I’m worried that keeping it like that for so long will be detrimental but also worried about damaging the yolk sac? How long can a chick stay in it’s pre hatch position without being damaged? It’s quite lively and chirping. Not sure if I should get it out of the shell and hope the yolk sac absorbs more later? Thanks for any help and advice

 

[JaeG]

Leave it like that for now. Many people will sit them in cups to keep them immobile until the yolk has been absorbed. The yolk needs to be absorbed before the duckling starts moving around otherwise the duckling will rupture it.

 

[Gardencottager]

Yes thank you for your reply. I’ve sat chicky in a small cup, a helpful tip I picked up from this forum. I’ve just realised it’s actually getting on for 72hrs in the shell/cup!!! I think the yolk sac is getting smaller. I’m just really worried that it’ll be disabled after all this time in that position.

 

[JaeG]

@WVduckchick is an experienced hatcher of ducks so she might be able to give you some more information.

 

[Gardencottager]

It’s a chicken

 

[JaeG]

It’s a chicken

Sorry - I'm getting confused between threads. But she should be able to give you an idea of what to do next. @ronott1 knows his way around hatching too so he might pop by with some suggestions.

 

[ronott1]

Poor little guy!

You might need to use some oil on the membrane to get it off at this point. If the shell is open enough to see the yolk sack(sometimes that part dries off later and never absorbs), can you get some water to it?

I would remove the shell and membrane as carefully as possible at this point. Work slowly and keep her in a cup. Do use the oil and a qtip.

The little wings can be injured and the chick might wind up having legg issues.

Do you have pictures?

 

[Gardencottager]

 

[ronott1]

View attachment 2096471

You should get the rest of the shell off.

The baby needs to eat and drink. If the yolk is hanging, you will need to either cut it off being prepared to tie off the umbilical cord or keep it in a cup until it falls off.

You will likely need to moisten the membrane at the shell and be very careful not to pull the cord.

I hope she does ok!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Poor baby! I hope your sweet chick pulls through for you!!!!