First hatch not quite a failure yet....

[botesbabe]

DH and I put our 8 RIR eggs in for hatching on the 10th of April, and they should have hatched out on Thursday. We did not have a hygrometer and since it was our first hatch, we waited a couple extra days before calling it quits. I wanted to open the eggs to see how "far along" they were and found most were not fertile or just didn't develop, one died about 5 days before hatching, and the last 2 are back in the 'bator. I cracked open the aircell and they were moving well and one was even peeping. One tried to pip earlier today on the side of the egg, not near the air cell and is loudly peeping and moving well. The opther is not peeping, but is still moving. When do I say enough is enough? Will they make it?

 

[Ruditchka]

It ain't over 'til its over! Wait until hatched or heart stoppage I'd say.... Help if need be or let nature run its course.

 

[botesbabe]

I "helped" some abandoned eggs last time after hearing peeps coming from them that were getting weaker and weaker with VERY sad results. I think these will be what they will be. I hope I can come back with good news....

 

[jaredslilcluckers]

I hope they hatch

 

[Ruditchka]

Often, nature knows best. I hope they hatch for you..., good luck

 

[botesbabe]

Well- this morning there was a foot sticking out, but the rest of the chick was stuck in the membrane, so I carefully peeled the membrane away. One of my chicks is out and peeping QUITE loudly and trying to walk!

I will keep checking the other one, but not do anything unless e starts trying to hatch. Right now- I think he is not as far developmentally as this one is.

 

[botesbabe]

Well- the one chick is doing fabulous!

The other one did not make it.

He had something wrong with him. I think it was mushy chick disease, but....
We have one healthy chick out of 8 eggs(only half of which developed at all) and our very first hatch and no hygrometer, so I am happy!

 

[gabrielle1976]

make shure you get a buddy

 

[SueNH]

Get a cheap walmart hygrometer. They work just fine. It will last the summer. Then don't touch the last days and into the hatching. I know it's not easy. I've done it myself.

Don't help until that chick hasn't made any headway for a full 24 hours.