I really think to a certain extent you have to emotionally detach yourself in order to not be devastated every time something like this happens...not sure its possible but I keep trying to tell myself that the odds are against them and if they make it, bonus! This is a perfect example, you can do everything right, everything can go smoothly up until the very last moment and it can still go downhill on you. Thank goodness you have other live chicks, that is a WIN! Plus they are adorable!I am so mad at myself right now. My #2 egg had pipped yesterday afternoon and showed no signs of anything happening until earlier today. It finally started making the pip bigger and as you saw it had zipped 1/2 way but then it stopped. The zipping was moving along very quickly too. After an hour of nothing I thought maybe I should help but decided not too. Big mistake on my part. I had errands to run this afternoon and when I got back there was still no progress. I decided to help....too late. When I peeled the shell off the rest of the way and pulled the chick out it was gone already. No clue why it stopped zipping. It had absorbed the yolk and everything inside looked fine. It's umbilical cord had even detached like it should have. I always try to let them do it by themselves but this is one time where I definitely should have helped.
Now the good news....2 more of the Silkies hatched. A Black and a Blue. These 2 could start a chorus they are so loud!! Right after these 2 hatched 2/5 of my Marans eggs pipped and one really wants out!!! Today has been one crazy day and it is only DAY 20. Looks like I am in for a very busy night.
11 eggs, only 6 made it to lockdown, and NOT ONE PIP! darn shipped eggs, so much anticipation and now nothing 
