Help! My first time incubating!

[animalmama316]

So this was my first time incubating by myself and my chicks were due 4 days ago and all I have is one pip. The chick pipped about 15 hours ago and still hasn't done anything and I'm getting worried...should I be?!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You should be worried. Sounds like your temps were low throughout incubation.
To begin with, without knowing anything else about your process, I'd set the temperature a full degree higher next time.

 

[animalmama316]

What should I do?!?!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I edited my previous post.
If you're really on day 25, I would go ahead and assist this one but don't get your hopes up.

 

[animalmama316]

Could it be dead? I maintained the incubator at about 97 degrees Fahrenheit. What should it be?

 

[animalmama316]

This is how it's been.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It should be 99.5 forced air(with a fan) or 100.5 at the top of the egg if still air.

It could be dead. Start peeling away at the pip and see if it moves.
The following thread has lots of good information and just below the first set of pictures there is a link for assisted hatching.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-sunshine-hosts-bantychooks-and-more.1137467/

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would add that thermostats and thermometers are notoriously inaccurate and not close enough for reliable incubating.
They need to be calibrated and verified. False thermometer readings, in my opinion are the primary reasons for failure.

 

[animalmama316]

I peeled off one little piece and it had blood on it? The chick moved around so it is alive thank god. Is there supposed to be blood?

 

[coloradowildflower]

So sorry. That's disappointing. I agree that the temp should be maintained a bit higher for your next hatch to give you a better result.