HELP!

[Goose08]

Hi! I’ve been raising chickens for 6+ years, but I’ve never hatched chicks myself. I’m hatching a batch of 4 bantam chicks, but I’ve run into an issue. The chicks are all 1-4 days apart, so they’re only hatching one at a time. Today or last night a chick began pipping. I was not home for most of yesterday and this morning. The chick has stopped zipping, so I tried peeling back some of the shell, but it started to bleed so I stopped because I got worried. I’m not sure if I should assist any more because I’m also not sure how long it’s been pipping.

This is the chicks current progress

 

[Debbie292d]

They can take 24 hours from pipping to hatch so I don't touch them nor open the incubator until a few hours even after that point. I'd just walk away and leave them be. 99% of the time they'll hatch on their own.

When we intercede, that's when the propensity for wry neck, splayed legs, etc. increases.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Goose08]

They can take 24 hours from pipping to hatch so I don't touch them nor open the incubator until a few hours even after that point. I'd just walk away and leave them be. 99% of the time they'll hatch on their own.

When we intercede, that's when the propensity for wry neck, splayed legs, etc. increases.

Welcome to BYC!

Thank you so much! Luckily, I’ve only barely moved the already cracked shell. Thank you for the advice, that helps a lot

 

[BackyardinWales]

They can take 24 hours from pipping to hatch so I don't touch them nor open the incubator until a few hours even after that point. I'd just walk away and leave them be. 99% of the time they'll hatch on their own.

When we intercede, that's when the propensity for wry neck, splayed legs, etc. increases.

Welcome to BYC!

Thank you for this. Today is the end of day 21 and I've only just noticed a pip. Praying that baby is still okay, and reading your post I shall now go to bed ... and hopefully sleep now that my heart is racing.

 

[BackyardinWales]

Almost 24 hours later and baby still hasn't emerged though the movement before I closed of the lights says she is still with us. I'm feeling sick, and hoping I wake up to a hatched chick tomorrow morning.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Almost 24 hours later and baby still hasn't emerged though the movement before I closed of the lights says she is still with us. I'm feeling sick, and hoping I wake up to a hatched chick tomorrow morning.

If you don’t, you should read the article about assisted hatch

 

[Goose08]

Almost 24 hours later and baby still hasn't emerged though the movement before I closed of the lights says she is still with us. I'm feeling sick, and hoping I wake up to a hatched chick tomorrow morning

It’s probably best to assist now. There’s articles that can help you through it. I hope it makes it!!

 

[Goose08]

Update: the chick fully hatched around 1:03 a.m. and is incredibly healthy. He’s active, standing, chirping, and very friendly.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Soooo pretty! Is it a Sebright?

 

[Goose08]

Soooo pretty! Is it a Sebright?

Thanks! It’s a booted bantam mix