Help hatching

[morganchick730]

Hello! I have eggs that are on day 22 and are peeping and rocking. I had 8 eggs but only 4 came to full development. This is the first time I have incubated eggs and I have had humidity and temperature issues the whole time. The stats have jumped from high to low ever since I put in the eggs. My chickens lay very thick shelled eggs with a thick, rubbery membrane and I am worried that the chicks cant get out! It has been about 10 hours since I saw the first crack and they have still not managed to break through the membrane. Should I help them pip?

 

[bobbi-j]

Nope. Just let them be. If you "help" them too soon, you will kill them. They will come in their own time. They need to absorb the yolk first. It can take up to 24 hours or more for them to even pip after they start rocking and peeping, and even another 24 hours after the first crack or pip. Walk away from the incubator if you have to. Go shopping. Take a walk. Or, grab a cup of coffee and sit and watch the action. I have been known to sit up all night watching chicks hatch. My husband and sons think I'm nuts...

 

[robert best]

If i have a chick that has been stuck in the egg for 24hr after he piped should i help it?

 

[bugglesmommy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

I suggest reading this guide before considering helping.