Bummer. we have had our first egg chick loss.
To date we have 100% hatches with our hens, which I found to be rather amazing to say the least.
Especially in winter!
This last egg finally zipped its shell, and a tiny airhole, and then just seemed to fade.
I did finally dampen the membrane, and then open it up.
I knew it was probably too late, but figured why not!
He looks fine, but is taking his last breaths as I type this.
I have him all cuddled up in a damp cloth in a heated wrap.
The good news is, I have 9 chicks bouncing all over the kennel, eating and drinking and snuggling with mama.
After the milk run tomorrow, we are gong to snag a few more bags of wood chips, and get them moved into the indoor coop.
Oh, and I have just finished making a real (gluten free) Christmas Pudding!!
ETA
Its a half hour or so later. The chick is still alive. He is now sitting in my bra