Egg shell has broken, but white membrane has not....

[Hetherk2]

PLEASE HELP,

this is my first hatch and we are on day 21, we woke up this morning to one of the eggs had broken the shell and not through the white membrane? The chick is trying to break it with its beak, and can hear it cheeping. I am worried it’s not going to be able to breath as there is no hole?? I know it has been like this for atleast 3.5 hours now.....what should I do?? Thanks

 

[Hybridchucks]

The little hole in the membrane in the photo is allowing the wee thing to breath, he should be fine. Once the first external pip they can rest for hours and hours, keep an eye on him though. Don't worry They usually make it out fine.

 

[Hetherk2]

Thanks for you reply, at first I thought the black bit was a joke but it’s actually just a black mark, worried there is no hole at all

 

[Hybridchucks]

It's always very worrying, but all should be fine

 

[Greatauntbleach]

At what point do you intervene? I lost two this week, they created their air hole, I could see their beak, but they never made it beyond this point I wish now I had intervened but everyone has mixed opinions of this.

 

[Hybridchucks]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/
I found this article very helpful.

 

[Hetherk2]

Thanks for you reply, at first I thought the black bit was a joke but it’s actually just a black mark, worried there is no hole at all

Was meant to say hole not joke

 

[Hybridchucks]

He has pipped in the wrong place, but at least he's breathing

 

[Hetherk2]

He has pipped in the wrong place, but at least he's breathing

How do I know if he is breathing? And what happens when they pip in the wrong place?
Thanks

 

[Greatauntbleach]

And where is the wrong place to pip?! there's so much to this !