Chick dragging shell after hatching, help!

[ReneeTheriault]

Hi! My first time hatching chicks. This one came out early this morning but the umbilocal cord seems to be stuck and the chick is dragging the egg shell behind her. Do I just let it be? Or do I have to intervene? The chick is trying to stand. I have one other chick that has pipped and fear opening the incubator. Any feedback would help me!

 

[ReneeTheriault]

Another pic, hard to see, I know.

 

[ReneeTheriault]

It's been almost 2 hours. How long should I give her?

 

[Kiraeh]

Usually the umbilical will dry up and separate on its own. I hate watching them haul the egg around though! I would wait until you don't have pips, you don't want to risk the other eggs and as distressing as it is the chick is unlikely to hurt itself. If it's still attached once you're ready to move it to the brooder you can snip it with some sterile scissors- don't worry about trimming it super short either, it will dry up and fall off on its own.

 

[ReneeTheriault]

Thanks. It is very distressing to watch lol - ok I will give it time and see what happens. Thanks!

 

[PasoRoblesEgger]

Can you update us? How is your chick?

 

[ReneeTheriault]

Hi! The umbilical cord detached on its own about 4 hours after hatching. All is well Thank you!