HELP! Possible Shrink Wrap?

[Mebrou]

Just found this egg under the momma hen looking like this. Doesn’t look right. I’m sure the hen knows best, but should I intervene at all? It’s chirping here and there. I’m afraid she might step on it and crush it.

Editing to add: it pipped almost 24hrs ago.

 

[BoundlessLove]

It’s definitely not a normal zip.
So glad it is still alive.
If you choose to assist, this article will help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[Mebrou]

It’s definitely not a normal zip.
So glad it is still alive.
If you choose to assist, this article will help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

Does it appear to be shrink wrapped? This is the first time ever dealing with this so I’m not too familiar with the matter. Willing to step in if it is indeed shrink wrapped, otherwise I’m sure momma hen could assist; hopefully?

 

[Debbie292d]

Just found this egg under the momma hen looking like this. Doesn’t look right. I’m sure the hen knows best, but should I intervene at all? It’s chirping here and there. I’m afraid she might step on it and crush it.

Editing to add: it pipped almost 24hrs ago.

Did you put it back yet or do you have an incubator?

It's not shrink-wrapped. The membrane is loose.

 

[Mebrou]

Did you put it back yet or do you have an incubator?

It's not shrink-wrapped. The membrane is loose.

Yes I’ve left in under the mom as I don’t have an incubator. Only took it out for a few seconds to avoid humidity/heat loss.

Does this mean I don’t need to intervene?

 

[SnackMeat]

Hard to tell in the picture but the membrane was torn. Was the beak sticking out? As long as it can breath, there's time for it to gain its strength. And that hole is big enough it should probably have weakened the shell to make it easier to crack. I wouldn't worry about intervening til tomorrow if there is not change. But it's up to you.

 

[Debbie292d]

Yes I’ve left in under the mom as I don’t have an incubator. Only took it out for a few seconds to avoid humidity/heat loss.

Does this mean I don’t need to intervene?

I wouldn't yet, but I have incubators I'd have put it in. Then I'd have the issue of trying to sneak it back under the hen.

I'd guess it'll be out tonight or tomorrow morning.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Good advice given.

Just keep an eye on it.
Go ahead and read the article just to familiarize yourself in case you do have to assist.

 

[Tex452]

I would give it some time, it’s crucial to let the chick absorb the yolk sack before trying to help it.
The chick will go to sleep and rest if it gets tired.
I learned the hard way by thinking I was helping, but I done more harm than good, the chick didn’t survive.

 

[Mebrou]

I ended up assisting as it appeared to be stuck in the membrane and chirping quite a bit. Perhaps it would have been fine on its own, I just wasn’t sure. Thankfully the yolk and blood had all been absorbed. Not even an hour later the second egg hatched so I can’t tell which is which. They are both surprisingly active and seem very healthy . She’s got one more egg hatching shortly so hopefully no further issues.

Thank you all for your quick responses!