Hatching help!

[birdman85]

Hi, I'm new here and new to chicken hatching. I have 5 eggs and the first hatched last night. The other 4 are as yet not showing any signs of doing much. 1 egg I have candled again and it looks like the chick had broken through into the air cell but it doesn't seem to be doing much else apart from a very tiny amount of movement possibly. As for the other eggs they also aren't doing much, they seem to have intact air sacks and no movement I can see.

Like I say it's day 21 one has hatched and I'm really unsure on what to do, have read the assisted hatch guide and one thing I'm not sure on is if I should make a pip hole for the 1 egg that to me at least looks the more favourable.

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

 

[bugglesmommy]

Close the bator, up the humidity and WAIT! If you keep opening the brooder you will risk vital himidity loss. They may take a day to externally pip after internally pipping. You don't want to help too soon. Give her time to do it herself.
If over a day passes with no external pip then using the guide carefully make a tiny hole near the beak. Some will tell you to never help a chick and it will only lead to a weak chick and trouble. I have not found that to be always true. I have helped a number of chicks that grew into vigorous strong birds. Only once have I ever regretted helping a chick.

 

[birdman85]

Close the bator, up the humidity and WAIT! If you keep opening the brooder you will risk vital himidity loss. They may take a day to externally pip after internally pipping. You don't want to help too soon. Give her time to do it herself.
If over a day passes with no external pip then using the guide carefully make a tiny hole near the beak. Some will tell you to never help a chick and it will only lead to a weak chick and trouble. I have not found that to be always true. I have helped a number of chicks that grew into vigorous strong birds. Only once have I ever regretted helping a chick.

I have tried to keep it closed as much as pos, the main problem I'm having is keeping the humidity constant, any tips or advice on how to keep it high, also, how high?!

Thanks again!!

 

[bugglesmommy]

A wet paper towel or sponge will help with humidity.

 

[Ms Steak]

Go for around 70%. Good luck.

 

[birdman85]

Thanks, will keep you all posted on progress!

 

[JHducks3]

did they hatch??

 

[birdman85]

Have only had one hatch so far, just checked again and think I heard some quiet cheeping so hopefully I have another on its way. One out 4 to go!

 

[JHducks3]

good luck!!