egg has started zipping but hasnt made progress in hours

[izzyschickiess]

this is the first egg of the clutch and pipped this morning and started zipping soon after
but they have not made any progress in more than 4 hours and the membrane looks like its dry and looks like its going hard humidity is 75-80% and temps are high end of 37c
baby is peeping and trying to get out.

another egg has pipped the wrong end of the egg

this hatching business is far too stressful!! anyone have any ideas??

 

[izzyschickiess]

okay so i got her out of the bator and cracked the shell off in a zip for her and softened the hardened membrane.
i put her back in to finish the job herself just as another baby hatched all by themself!.

humidity stayed up the whole time and i was quick in and out so i doubt there will be many consequences!

shes working her way out as i type! thank you for motivating me i was hesitant even though i had done this before hahaha

 

[FeatherTay]

If not:
Don’t freak out, since he’s still alive and pushing his way out, he is still strong. Start peeling egg shell ONLY in a zipping line, making it natural. Don’t do too much, just about two thirds of the way around.

Take a look at the membrane. Does it appear stuck to the chick? Can you see blood?

Rub some coconut oil on the membrane if you have any to check for veins, but I don’t think there will be any. If you don’t have coconut oil, follow this:

Peel back some of the membrane. Little by little. If there is no blood, keep going until you get to where there is shell. If you see blood, stop and leave him in the incubator for a couple more hours, then try again.

If you have questions don’t be afraid to ask.

 

[FeatherTay]

do i assist now or in the morning?

It might be too late in the morning, I’d do it now if you can. What time is it for you?

 

[izzyschickiess]

one day when i can afford a reallllllll good incubator ill get myself some of my wishlist chickens (and maybe some ducks!)

those last 6 eggs didnt hatch and when cracked open i think most were malpositioned (only sawthe beak of one of them) but i didnt look that hard cos they smelled a bit, sucks but at least i got my 10 good chicks out of that cruddy machine

 

[FeatherTay]

I would start assisting. Do you know what to do?

 

[izzyschickiess]

If the incubator is steamed up, your humidity is too high. I would keep it down, if you can! I hatch mine at 45-50%

i might try to wipe the side down very quickly and remove the towels

 

[izzyschickiess]

How is she?

she slid right out, but had a bit of yolk out of her belly so i vasalined it so it wouldnt stick and put her in a plastic tub filled with tissues under the heat lamp in the brooder

 

[izzyschickiess]

How is she doing? I would recommend cleaning her. I had a chick in the same situation and I never cleaned her. She ended up tripping and falling into the water. She drowned. I believe that if i had cleaned her, she would have had full control of walking and balancing.

she cant even stand up right now so i dont want to stress her out while shes this fragile.
if she gets stronger and is able to move around ill try cleaning her better.

her poor little feet seem to have too tight tendons and cant open up properly, her legs and feet are just a bit 'wrong' but ive had chickens with messed up legs live long happy lives so i have hope for her

she cant really open her eyes for long and they seem to be 'wet'

do i try giving her some sugar water?

 

[izzyschickiess]

Ok, that sounds like a good plan to me. These chicks usually take a while longer to get on their feet.

Yes the “wet” is the sticky membrane that stuck to her. It’s probably a bit heavy on her eyelids, but she will be ok.

I don’t think sugar water is necessary but if you’re willing to give her some and continue to give her some, then you can. What ever you feel is best for her.

her yolk 'lump' hasnt absorbed yet but is safe in her bandage, the wet is more watery eyes shes got some dry down and some crunchy down.
i think shes going to need some therapy on her toes if she survives
my dog has been being such a pest about the chicks poor thing looks like a broken washing machine the way she shakes at them i wish she had lower prey drive but what can you do?