Egg has stopped cheeping

[Nicky S]

Since baby has an air hole, there should be plenty of air for him for now- so he shouldnt be in any immediate danger. It's best to take these things slow, one step at a time, but believe me I know how nerve wracking it is!!
How is baby doing now? Since you mention the membrane looking white, is there any way you could take a photo of the safety hole without opening the incubator? (difficult with some incubators, sometimes the plastic is rather obscure)

I’m trying really hard to be patient, I just keep thinking what if I leave it too late . I’m normally a very hands-off person, leave it be person, but I’ll do whatever it takes to get these babies out! I heard a couple of cheeps on and off earlier, which is encouraging. I’m going to go sort out the rest of the flock and will go and see if we can get a pic and listen for peeps again. The egg isn’t supported by anything, so it could roll around but I don’t want to open up the incubator now. Many thanks!

 

[Nicky S]

it's worth mentioning that after chicks internally pip, they feel a sort of urgency to externally pip as they are running out of air- when they have a safety hole, it means they won't run out- but removes that initial urgency-
This isn't anything bad, but it can make for a slower hatch than usual, so don't be alarmed if baby keeps you waiting a little longer than you would expect!

Oh yes, I’d read that. Of course all the birds outside are now singing and I’m going crazy wondering whether I’m imagining it’s ours . Here is a pic of the hole - you can see the the membrane is open, but my son didn’t get the ‘flap’ off, but I think air will still get in?

 

[Nicky S]

While in the eggs peeping, chicks actually encourage eachother through hatch, since its just this one internally pipped (?) You could try playing some chick chirping noises near the incubator, it may encourage him!

Ok - I’d been playing on and off to wake them up to see if they are alive, but I found a long YouTube video so I’ll put that on!

 

[Nicky S]

Ok - I’d been playing on and off to wake them up to see if they are alive, but I found a long YouTube video so I’ll put that on!

Chick is not really responding to tapping or the videos…I *think* I heard a faint peep or two…could they be getting weak? My son says the shells are really hard on these eggs so I’m worried about that too.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Oh yes, I’d read that. Of course all the birds outside are now singing and I’m going crazy wondering whether I’m imagining it’s ours . Here is a pic of the hole - you can see the the membrane is open, but my son didn’t get the ‘flap’ off, but I think air will still get in?

a little cut in the membrane should be fine! When they external pip at first they usually just have a small cut in the membrane, so he should be okay, It's still not too long since internal pip either right?

 

[BelovedBirds]

Chick is not really responding to tapping or the videos…I *think* I heard a faint peep or two…could they be getting weak? My son says the shells are really hard on these eggs so I’m worried about that too.

how long ago did baby internal pip now? Again, things could go a little slower since there is a safety hole, but it should be safe to leave him a little longer, as likely he is still absorbing

 

[Nicky S]

a little cut in the membrane should be fine! When they external pip at first they usually just have a small cut in the membrane, so he should be okay, It's still not too long since internal pip either right?

ok, that's good. We first heard cheeping around 11 hours ago, but weren't watching right beforehand so could be a little more. We just got panicked and were going to assist a little more but when we picked up to candle they cheeped really loudly so we put it back quickly. We had a humidifier blasting next to the incubator and it was just a few seconds. This is so hard to judge! He doesn't respond to noise really, but movement yes.

 

[Nicky S]

how long ago did baby internal pip now? Again, things could go a little slower since there is a safety hole, but it should be safe to leave him a little longer, as likely he is still absorbing

Trying to work out if a few more hours or to wait until it's been 18. Good grief, this is awful

 

[BelovedBirds]

ok, that's good. We first heard cheeping around 11 hours ago, but weren't watching right beforehand so could be a little more. We just got panicked and were going to assist a little more but when we picked up to candle they cheeped really loudly so we put it back quickly. We had a humidifier blasting next to the incubator and it was just a few seconds. This is so hard to judge! He doesn't respond to noise really, but movement yes.

The safety hole looks great and it's okay to have done it early on, as a precaution, but again it can delay the hatch a bit so don't feel the need to rush!
So I would try to sit back as much as you can now! Waiting should be safe, the chick has air to breathe and is just absorbing up the yolk and taking his time!
If after 18-24 hours, since you made the safety hole, there is no progress, then it will be time to take the next step-
Now remember, these babies arent following any calendar! they will take as long as they need! There isn't a lot that you can do yet, without risking helping too soon- so try to distract yourself! Keep playing the peeping noise in the background as much as you can, and that will encourage him to keep going!

I know it is stressful! My first successful hatch (duckling) was assisted! And I felt sick with worry! Thankfully she turned out healthy and has grown into a strong bird! I'm hoping for your little ones to hatch soon!

 

[Nicky S]

The safety hole looks great and it's okay to have done it early on, as a precaution, but again it can delay the hatch a bit so don't feel the need to rush!
So I would try to sit back as much as you can now! Waiting should be safe, the chick has air to breathe and is just absorbing up the yolk and taking his time!
If after 18-24 hours, since you made the safety hole, there is no progress, then it will be time to take the next step-
Now remember, these babies arent following any calendar! they will take as long as they need! There isn't a lot that you can do yet, without risking helping too soon- so try to distract yourself! Keep playing the peeping noise in the background as much as you can, and that will encourage him to keep going!

I know it is stressful! My first successful hatch (duckling) was assisted! And I felt sick with worry! Thankfully she turned out healthy and has grown into a strong bird! I'm hoping for your little ones to hatch soon!

Ok, I'll keep myself busy in that case! The worst part with this staggered hatch is that they are all getting ready one by one and I've probably got a week or more of this to go . We'll wait the 18 hours minimum and reassess - if we could just see a little external pipping going on it would be a huge relief! Thanks so much for all your help, I was beside myself with worry. I'll post updates as I get them - hopefully happy ones!!!