Double shell while hatching.

[Nikimummy5]

Hi everyone I need some advice and have always had amazing answers but I'm struggling to find my answer this time. I've got 6 eggs on day 21 being hatched by mum, 4 have done really well but one egg looks like it has a double shell. The outer shell has half come off and the inner one has a small crack which I can make out yellow thro it. I'm concerned the shell will be too thick for the chick to crack. Has anyone else had this and what should I do? Thanks.

 

[GitaBooks]

I've never had a double shell, but I have had to help chicks that were too weak or had too thick shells to hatch. We use a needle to carefully chip away the shell (don't stab the chick!) in a ring where the beak would do it. We then let it be so it can push out on its own (unless it is too weak), using its legs being good for strengthening them.
Chicks die in a shell they can't get out of, so if its been a while then I would help. However, chicks do rest in their shell for a few hours after making the first breathing hole.

Best of luck!


Pipping egg

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I've never had a double shell while hatching but I have had an egg get a shell from an already hatched chick stuck on another egg. Just double check that this is not the case as I too thought I had a double shell untill I removed the empty shell half from it.

If it's not the above case is it just membrane you can see?

Good luck and if you could post a pic that would be great

 

[Nikimummy5]

Thank you for your replies. It never occurred to me it could be another chicks egg. I've been up there to look this morning and there's a small hole where the crack was but the egg looks like it's leaked slightly, a bit sticky and yellow is that normal? Mum is still tucking it underneath her and being very protective. It's day 22 today and I've read it can take till day 25 so I'm going to just keep an eye on the situation for now. Fingers crossed.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sending good hatching vibes your way

 

[mymilliefleur]

Good luck with your flock!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!