Emu hatching, PLEASE HELP!

[cwams217]

I went and checked my emu eggs yesterday and one was moving and the other was externally pipped and the shell was cracked. I wasn't sure how long the one had externally pipped as the end it pipped on was away from the viewing area of the incubator. I moved some of the shell out of the way to make sure it had oxygen and it slowly was pushing through the membrane. Over night it had busted off half of the shell and opened up half of the membrane. It was slightly bloody. I broke off more of the shell (but did not damage the membrane) and it was able to straighten it's head out and then within 10mins it kicked off the end of the shell. It seemed to have heavy breathing and I assumed it was due to being exhausted. I had to go to work and received a text from my dad saying it had passed away. The other egg has not externally pipped as far as I know but there was lots of movement and chirping this morning at 6am when I saw it. I do not want to help it unless it's absolutely necessary. This is my first time with emus (in case you couldn't already tell) so please any emu hatching advice is greatly appreciated! I don't want to lose another baby! I'm already so distraught over the first one

 

[Amykins]

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby...I love emus, and I hope to have some one day when I get myself a bigger property! Unfortunately, any number of things could have gone wrong, but the blood was particularly alarming. At that crucial step any nick in a blood vessel before the chick has finished absorbing everything could cause major damage, so sadly, trying to take the shell off and assist the hatch may have exacerbated an already bad situation.

I don't know for sure though, so please don't think I place any blame on you, as I said any number of things can go wrong with a hatch! It sounds like your other chick is on its way, so please keep us updated!