Helping chick hatch?

[AmyLynn2374]

I did end up assisting. I wasn't sure when he had pipped because the other chicks had rolled the egg but he was able to roll the egg a little and I could see what looked like the membrane was restricting his movement. I kept watching and he was trying to get out but just wasn't able to finish zipping. I made the call to assist and it was a good thing I did because the membrane was suctioned onto him. I don't think he would have made it out on his own. Right now he's hopping around happily in the incubator but he's not able to fluff out. I just need to decide if I want to take a dry toothbrush to him or give him a warm bath. I've read about people using both methods.

You can use a warm wet washcloth to clean him off. That's the method I would use. I've never heard the toothbrush thing and seems to me, that would be too rough.

 

[erkieka]

I also thought using a wet washcloth would be the best way to go. I did worry though that the chick would get chilled quickly so I thought I would try the toothbrush first. If it didn't work no harm no foul. I used a soft toothbrush and the chick didn't seem to mind. I was surprised to find that it worked. The chick isn't 100% yet but he started fluffing up in spots immediately. I'll probably clean him again with it tomorrow if he doesn't fluff up all the way on his own. I imagine if the chick is really sticky it would be better to use a wet washcloth though.

 

[ochochicas]

When I had a sticky chick I used very warm water and Dawn dish soap (that is what they use to clean up birds after an oil spill). I dried her off with a towel and stuck her back under the broody hen. Worked like a charm and she was fluffed out in a couple of hours.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

When I had a sticky chick I used very warm water and Dawn dish soap (that is what they use to clean up birds after an oil spill). I dried her off with a towel and stuck her back under the broody hen. Worked like a charm and she was fluffed out in a couple of hours.

Dawn is good for flees too....lol

 

[erkieka]

I never even thought of using Dawn. I'll remember that if there is a next time. Hopefully there won't be though.