Help, No zipping just big holes

[minikeeper1143]

My first hatch is underway and I have 2 of 21 out of the shell. The third is trying valiantly now to escape her shell prison. None have zipped the shell but have just pipped a dime size hole and then struggled until they broke the shell. Don't shoot me, my freind did reach in and quickly cracked the "tophat piece" off the first one and it finally made it out after that. The membrane was stuck to the back of the neck in one place and pulled the feathers off when it broke free. Second one did fine. Third is struggling with the hole. Humidity is 69 to 70%, temp 100.2. Humidity only dropped from 70 to 69% when we helped #1. They are strong and healthy. Why no zipping?? Are they just to big for the shells?? Any advice?? I have 19 more in there.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I takes sometimes 24 hours or longer from them pipping (making the hole) to zipping out of the shells. They finish absorbing the yolk sacs, rest and learn to breath air.

Your humidity dropped when you helped because you opened the bator.

Patience.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I always read DON"T HELP so I have tried to stand by that but after a whole 24 hrs and it is nothing more than a little hole and not making progress, I slowly chip away the shell and then I wet the membrane with warm water to help the dryness.....I had this problem too..with the membrane being too dry.

 

[DANNY]

It sounds like you need to spray them with warm water several times a day. I those membranes are locking them down they won't ever come out. What kind of eggs and how many days have they been set.

 

[minikeeper1143]

Quote:
They are on day 21. I have kept humidity kind of high from what I have now read about 50-54% now at 69-72% temp in Genesis bator at 100.2 (factory setting)

To mist do I just quickly lift lid and mist them all? I have two hatched chicks in bator. I guess I would remove them is I resort to misting.

Advice welcome.