Hands on hatching and help

[LynnaePB]

Hi everyone, this is my first hatch ever and my second egg has decided to open up on the wrong side, opposite the air cell. It was a small crack when it started. I’ve only opened it up just a little to make sure it can breath. I stopped here and plan on leaving it for the night. I’ve read both assisted hatching articles multiple times now. Just want some opinions on next steps.
Added the photo of our first ever chick just for fun.

The way you are going about handling it sounds perfect, I do the same when I've got them pipping on the wrong end.

Since it wasn't able to pip into the air cell expect a longer wait as it's external pip and internal pip are the same in this case. It could be as long as 48 hours before it's absorbed everything and is ready to hatch. I find they are usually able to hatch just fine on their own in this position. The assisting articles hopefully gave a good idea of knowing when they may need help. If it is taking too long or shows signs of being stuck watch out for nibbling/chewing motions as that indicates they are still absorbing yolk and/or blood vessels. If the chick starts zipping but stops or widens the pip and keeps striking out but seems unable to turn to start a zip you may need to carefully intervene. For now waiting is definitely the right thing to do though.

I can't really advise for or against (it really depends on how hands on you want to be) but I will often add a small safety hole on the wide end. Occasionally a chick will make a pip and start to turn and block their access to oxygen. The safety hole won't guarantee it will still have access to air if it does this but it does increase its chances.

Congratulations on your first chick and I hope this little one and the others all hatch with no problems for you!

 

[FernbergFarms]

Yeah just make sure the opening is by the beak. My duckling did this but never pipped and it was too late

 

[LowcoMatt]

I helped it a bit this morning with the shell, and moistened the membrane with coconut oil. I didn't wait long after applying the coconut oil before I started fiddling around with it which was a mistake. I was rushing to try and help a little before going to work this a.m. So I tugged a little on the dried[now moist cocnut oil] membrane and it did bleed a little. it stopped after drying and applying a little flour. [couldn't find starch]. that was 730a ish, and it was fine when I was at home for lunch around 2pm. still chirping along every now and then.
It does appear to have enlarged via stretching because the air cell area is smaller than it was this morning. keeping humidity 65% + if I can help it. a sibling bird hatched this morning problem free, so two are out, and this one still chirping along, little by little.

I may open air cell side to investigate the membrane tomorrow evening if it doesn't make progress on the shell in another 18hours or so. Currently at almost 24hrs since pipping [internal and external same time], which I now realize is early to be messing around like I've been. I need to give her time.

 

[LowcoMatt]

Came home and it had hatched on its own. Guess those articles are pretty accurate. They said chicks with this type of malposition usually hatch themselves out.
Photos of how I found it, and when it was partly fluffed out.

 

[LynnaePB]

Came home and it had hatched on its own. Guess those articles are pretty accurate. They said chicks with this type of malposition usually hatch themselves out.
Photos of how I found it, and when it was partly fluffed out.

Congratulations, what a little cutie! That is great news the little one hatched on its own! Even though it didn't need help I'm sure it was a good learning experience that will help in future hatches should you have one that actually ends up needing the help. There is nothing like a little hands on experience!

 

[LowcoMatt]

Congratulations, what a little cutie! That is great news the little one hatched on its own! Even though it didn't need help I'm sure it was a good learning experience that will help in future hatches should you have one that actually ends up needing the help. There is nothing like a little hands on experience!

funny thing is, a little silkie chick pipped the same way. So I’m on the same adventure today and tomorrow with another chick. LOL

 

[LowcoMatt]

funny thing is, a little silkie chick pipped the same way. So I’m on the same adventure today and tomorrow with another chick. LOL

Scratch that theyre out

 

[Chicalilly]

I wish I would have found this thread earlier. So if a chick has externally pipped at the wrong end I need to wait longer than 24 hours to assist? I assisted after about 14 hours by removing a section of the outer shell. Have I totally ruined it's chances?

 

[Redhead Rae]

I wish I would have found this thread earlier. So if a chick has externally pipped at the wrong end I need to wait longer than 24 hours to assist? I assisted after about 14 hours by removing a section of the outer shell. Have I totally ruined it's chances?

You are probably fine, just make sure you keep the membranes moist and the humidity high to reduce the chances of shrink wrapping (inner membrane drying up and shrinking on the chick). Keep an eye on it.

 

[LynnaePB]

I wish I would have found this thread earlier. So if a chick has externally pipped at the wrong end I need to wait longer than 24 hours to assist? I assisted after about 14 hours by removing a section of the outer shell. Have I totally ruined it's chances?

The big concern about assisting too soon is causing too much bleeding and/or getting the chick out before the yolk is absorbed. As long as it didn't bleed profusely when you removed part of the shell its chances really shouldn't be affected much if at all. The 24 (or 48 hours in the case of wrong end pippers) is a general guideline. Sometimes they are ready sooner and do better with earlier assistance. As long as the membrane stays moist to prevent shrink wrap I'd say your little one will probably be just fine.

If anything does come up this is a great article on assisting. The time guidelines are useful but knowing the signs for when a chick is ready vs not is more important in my opinion and after many assists as they don't always follow the expected timeframe. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

Good luck, I hope your little one makes it out with no issues for you!