Helping chicks out of eggs.

[yoker]

What are the problems with helping a baby chick out of the egg when it is too tired to get out it self?

 

[loverOFchickens]

You can break thier cord and/or they have not totally sucked in the yolk.
It usually causes bleeding

 

[yoker]

I just pick at the shell where thay started to hatch and let them do the rest

 

[gritsar]

I've never hatched, but several books I read on the subject suggest that a chick that is not strong enough to break free of its own shell is not strong enough to survive life in the barnyard.

 

[yoker]

Yay but I can't find the guts to just leave it in the shell.

 

[lotzahenz]

I agree with gritsar, but sometimes it is our fault they are having trouble hatching all the way. I think raising the lid on the bator lets out the moisture and that can hnder them. So some help is necessary, sometimes. I also think more of the very dark shells seems so thick and hard that these chicks have a harder time than usual. I think it's best to let them alone if possible, but you can save a life if you act at the proper time.

 

[Marlinchaser]

I have not helped any under a broody, but I have helped some in a bator, especially if I let the humidity drop too low, making the shell harder than what it should be.

 

[Msbear]

Quote:
\\

I agree with Marlin. Broodies are much better than any incubator. Unfortunately, broodies can't be turned on and off and can't hold hundreds of eggs... so we opt for the artificial version. I agree some chicks don't hatch because of vigor they may lack. However, artificial circumstances make things more difficult for them. If a chick is having trouble in a bator, I always help. I find it very hypocritical to set up an artificial hatching situation then sit back and say let them do it naturally

If they've pipped the air cell and have been peeping for a day or two, you can pip a small hole in the bottom of the egg and peek in there. Now, the chick has air. If you can peek in there, check for a powdery white membrane... this means the humidity was too low for hatch (main cause of hatching problems) and its definitely time to help. Be careful once you get toward the pointy part of the egg (where the chicks bottom is). The cord needs to be cut with little scissors so it doesn't get pulled off of the navel... this causes excessive bleeding and can kill the chick. Learn from this and up your humidity next time.

 

[yoker]

Thanks for all the replies!!
Just wanted to know when you should and when you souldn't help.

 

[Msbear]

When they'be been peeping for a couple days with no progress.