Hatch day fears

[Sparkypatriot15]

I think one of my chicks has spraddle leg. What can I do? I put the band-aid on her yesterday and right away she could stand, but then she fell on her back and couldn't get up so I but them off.

It's ok, it's sometimes just a new-hatched chick problem. Give it some time and shell probably be fine

Should I have had shavings in the incubator, would that have prevented the spraddle leg?

No, shavings don't help or prevent spraddle leg. The shavings are just for bedding and warmth and absorption

I am now on day 18 , which I am calling 17, I candled, and 3 of the six have more fluids. I built another incubator to put the 3 in, and tomorrow will lock down the other 3. even though they all went in at the same time the 3 that don't seem ready are bigger eggs and take a little longer, and they don't need to get more moisture yet. I got this.

Sounds good!! Can't wait to see your hatch!

The one that pipped this morning made a little bit of progress and has stopped and I don't see movement. When should I worry or try to help?

Sometimes chicks just take their time. I have a chick that pipped and did nothing for 2 whole days and she hatched fine. The chick knows what it's doing- dont worry

 

[Jotaylor]

The second one is still struggling to make the hole bigger. Should I help it?

 

[gimmie birdies]

how far along is it?

 

[gimmie birdies]

I say no.if you do start to help, open the big end first a little if there is any blood I would stop. the small end holds all the yolk and stuff. if the chick is not ready, and just because it has a hole doesn't mean it is ready, it will die. If the chick poked a hole 24 hrs ago I would still wait. he can breath through the hole, he is not hungry.

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

The second one is still struggling to make the hole bigger.  Should I help it?

Don't help it yet. Can you take a picture of the hole? What sounds is it making? It can still go quite a while without being helped. It's better for the chick to be a little late then too early, trust me

 

[Jotaylor]

Ok I will wait the hole is good sized and its trying but wasn't sure if it was struggling or something was wrong.

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

Ok I will wait the hole is good sized and its trying but wasn't sure if it was struggling or something was wrong.  

Haha no the hatching process take a long time don't worry

 

[Jotaylor]

 

[Sparkypatriot15]

I think it's ok, watch the colors of the membrane though. If the membrane begins to look brown and dry, it could be shrink wrapped. But the chick looks good so far. What's the humidity at?

 

[Jotaylor]

I have it a bit high. It is at 68. I am trying to get it down.