Does this chick need help?

[LaurenMM4]

One of our hens got broody, and started sitting on some eggs. The eggs are different days old laid from different hens who she was willing to share the nesting box with. On 3/17 (21 days ago), she was sitting on 12 eggs. Two she hatched on her own, but then she gave up sitting on them. I took the rest home to the incubator. 4 have hatched at home. This egg had these big holes yesterday and hasn’t progressed. I didn’t notice the holes when I opened the incubator (I know it’s supposed to be lockdown, but again... different ages of chicks). Thoughts?

 

[LaurenMM4]

 

[The Happster]

I'm not hugely experienced, but from what I know, no, you should not help him. Not yet. Feel free to correct me if needed. How long has it been since you started incubating these eggs?

 

[The Happster]

I see it's been 21 days sorry I missed it. I wouldn't worry just yet. Does it look fairly clean inside though? No sign of any blood? I wouldn't worry just yet. They know what they're doing. I'm always a nervous wreck when I am hatching chicks though, so I know what it's like.

 

[MGG]

Well, I have never used a broody but some hens peck at the eggs when they need help. It looks like she either pecked it or stepped on it. Have you read the guide to assisted hatching for all poultry? If not, read it. I personally would chip away some shell and see what's going on. Stop if there is any blood of course. I think it's time to investigate.

 

[LaurenMM4]

I see it's been 21 days sorry I missed it. I wouldn't worry just yet. Does it look fairly clean inside though? No sign of any blood? I wouldn't worry just yet. They know what they're doing. I'm always a nervous wreck when I am hatching chicks though, so I know what it's like.

I don’t see any blood. Looks clean.

 

[The Happster]

See personally I think, he's broken through, he can get air, it's only the first couple of days. Now I've never assisted a chick in this way. And I've only hatched a few times. With the help of a broody.
I've heard of chicks hatching later than day 23-24 though.

 

[MGG]

I think with such big holes it would have shrink wrapped if mama got off the nest.

 

[The Happster]

A question. How long after she finished sitting on them did you collect them?

 

[The Happster]

You're right about the size of the hole. Bit worrying.