Completely dried out membrane

[The Farmers' Daughter]

I had a chick that started to zip but didn't go any further. I assisted by completing the zip with tweezers. 12 hours later the chick was still alive but had not hatched any further. I was able to remove the majority of the shell. 12 hours later the chick is still alive. It is completely crusted with bone dry membrane and goo. Its eyes are even crusted shut by dried goo. I've soaked it in warm water and have managed to get some of it off. Should I just keep repeating this process? How do I attempt the eye area? Any help and advice is greatly appreciated .

 

[Flamens Farm]

I read earlier in another post where someone said to use a warm moist washcloth or paper towel to wipe the goo off.

 

[pennyJo1960]

wash cloths work better hold together better

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I've had success with the eye area using q-tips wet with warm water and just twirling the q-tip over the closed eye. Just takes patience!

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

Ok. Warm water is what I've been doing. Just wasn't sure about the eyes.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I guess saline for eye use would really be ideal... can't see playing water and a q-tip hurting though can you?

 

[2 many chickens]

Had the same problem with one of my chicks. She couldn't walk or anything, it was caked on. I rinsed her in warm water and scrubbed with a washcloth.. not hard. After I would put her back in the incubator, with a dry washcloth. Just so she wouldn't catch a chill. It took 4 'baths' to get it off.