HELP! INCUBATION

[elliotemery]

i have had this problem every time i hatch. It is day 20 of my incubation and chicks are starting to pip however they pip the slightest hole and then they stop there is no more effort for a long time. it almost seems like they have died. They hardly attempt to pip any more. What should i do? carry on to leave them or do i help them? please contact asap

 

[emmaie892000]

As long as they've pipped they're breathing. Don't help them, at least not at first. It takes a lot of energy to pip, they're probably resting and finishing absorbing the last of their yolk. I'm looking right now to see how long is normal.

 

[emmaie892000]

However, you may need to re-moisten the membrane if it begins to dry out around the hole. Just take a damp washcloth and touch it to the membrane if it turns white.
It can take 24 hours to hatch, from pip to complete hatch. After pipping they may wait for a long time, then do the rest of the work fairly quickly.
I had one last year that pipped and waited, I tried to help but the blood hadn't yet been completely absorbed from the membrane and it bled a little. Just keep it moist and wait. Let nature take it's course as much as possible.

 

[elliotemery]

ok thank you very much i have done exactly that. Thanks