Day 21–Crushed Broody Egg

Is it too early to start assisting?

Depends, do you know if it was externally pipped before the accident? Any sign of blood in the membrane? Since the shell is so crushed, can you see the belly area and see if there's any yolk?
 
Depends, do you know if it was externally pipped before the accident? Any sign of blood in the membrane? Since the shell is so crushed, can you see the belly area and see if there's any yolk?
No external pip. I can't see any yolk. None of the others have hatched, does that make a difference? It's kind of difficult to tell about the blood.
 
No external pip. I can't see any yolk. None of the others have hatched, does that make a difference? It's kind of difficult to tell about the blood.

If it wasn't externally pipped before the accident then it may not be ready - what stage are the rest of the eggs at? External pips? We may want to take cues from them. Can you see the belly area and see there's no yolk, or can you not see the belly area?

I'd take it slow, since pulling it out too soon could kill it. When it's ready, it'll also start struggling hard to get out. For now, I'd keep the membrane moistened like you are and let it rest. It can breathe and is warm, so it's not in danger if you don't assist right away.
 
If it wasn't externally pipped before the accident then it may not be ready - what stage are the rest of the eggs at? External pips? We may want to take cues from them. Can you see the belly area and see there's no yolk, or can you not see the belly area?

I'd take it slow, since pulling it out too soon could kill it. When it's ready, it'll also start struggling hard to get out. For now, I'd keep the membrane moistened like you are and let it rest. It can breathe and is warm, so it's not in danger if you don't assist right away.
The other eggs are on day 21 as well. I cannot see the belly area, unfortunately. I'll keep an eye on it, and keep it moist. :) Thanks for your help!
 
I have 7 Orpington Bantam eggs on day 21. The broody got a little anxious and attempted to "help" it hatch. Ended up doing more harm than good. I stuck it back under her, but she ended up crushing it even more. :( I have it in the incubator now. It's still alive and moving. I moistened with some coconut oil, as the membrane was starting to go brown. You can see in the video how crushed it is. :eek:
Personally, I don't think it's going to make it. there are a few different things you can do to try to save it though.

option 1: leave it until your hen hatches a few before you go in to assist.

option 2: I can see a foot there you might be able to get a view of the belly/yolk area if you take a few pieces of shell off. This could and likely would cause more bleeding.

option 3: you could take some of the shell off in the air cell area it would give you a better window on some undamaged inner membrane to see if there are still blood veins. though the air cell is where the blood recedes from first so you still might not know even if you do this. Also it will make it easier for the chick to kick out if you do this since that is the only part of the shell that's intact.

My concerns:

The membrane getting stuck to the chicks down.

with the pointy end open the yolk might not absorb regardless of how long you leave it.

blood loss - it's not likely to survive because of it.

:hugs :fl

I hope it will be ok.
 

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