Chick stuck in unzipping stage?

[Vann]

I have a chick that has been in the unzipping stage since sometime between midnight last night and 8 am this morning. (At least 8 hours). He’s been chirping and thrashing around. How long should I wait before intervening and if I need to intervene how do I do it safely? I read Sally Sunshine’s guide, but I didn’t see info on there about this stage. Thank you!

 

[Madi131]

If you are sure it's unzipping, get it out. It shouldn't take more than 1 maybe 2 hours. I made this mistake yesterday and went to Walmart while one of my quail were unzipping and I came home it was dead.
It might not be unzipping. It might just have a big pip. This is not the best picture but this is a pip I had the other day. It can take up to 24 hours after pip for them to start unzipping.

 

[Vann]

This is the egg. It’s definitely unzipping. It looks really bloody but he’s moving and cheeping

 

[Madi131]

Sticky chick perhaps? I think that's what it's called. One of my oe chicks had that problem.. it was open a little bit more but he couldn't get his butt out of the egg or the top of the egg off his head. I slowly worked it off of him but he has membrane stuck on his head still. I would definitely help.

 

[Vann]

Do I need to help him out of the membrane or just the shell?

 

[Madi131]

I would help out of the membrane as well. There's a slight chance he will be weak and won't make it but if it's sticky chick that would be caused by humidity. Use a wet q-tip to help get the membrane off. Try not to rip it.

 

[Vann]

We helped him. He was definitely stuck and more than ready to come out. Thanks!