Homeschool Hatch-Along (2/23 hatch)

[Slothinc]

Ugh. She’s not out yet. The hole is slightly bigger but no zipping. I really don’t want to have to assist.

I’ve been there - but it really will be the best thing at this point. The fact that the hole is bigger but the chick isn’t able to zip out means that she is stuck. She is trying to get out but is unable to rotate around so she keeps pecking at the same spot. Definitely help her at this point - if she is trying to get out then she has likely absorbed everything and is ready! Just go slow and follow the instructions I posted above. You got this!!!

 

[Slothinc]

All you have to do is gently take off the shell in small pieces that is covering the air cell, wet the membrane and tear it enough for the head and shoulders to come through. If it is really sticking to the chick you can use a wet q tip to push it down to where the chick is able to move a bit. Then put back in the incubator and let her push out when ready.

 

[Slothinc]

Take pics and post them if you have any questions during the process!

 

[Cheekychook12]

Ugh. She’s not out yet. The hole is slightly bigger but no zipping. I really don’t want to have to assist.

It’s usually not as scary as it seems, and I have never regretted helping a chick out, try not to stress too much, and go slowly
Best of luck

 

[Mjismom]

Started assisted hatch but no moving or cheeping. I moistened with water and put back in the incubator but I don’t think she made it.

 

[tviss711]

Congrats on your two babies!!! They are precious!!

I’m sorry to hear about #6. I know the feeling. can you tell if she is breathing?

 

[Slothinc]

Ohhh so sad. So sorry! If there is no movement, then she has probably passed. It has happened to me many times, don’t feel bad. That is why I tend to help early now. (And by early I mean at the first sign of trouble, which it takes some experience hatching before you start to realize when that time is!) I’ve never had one die because of assisting it unless it was already dead or almost dead by the time I helped. It’s a learning experience, and so hard when it happens but next time you’ll be more prepared! Hugs! So happy for your two healthy little ones!!

 

[Slothinc]

Also, to help you feel better, this baby was malpositioned, she didn’t pip into the air cell. So that is likely why she couldn’t get out on her own! If there is any chance that she’s still alive, peel back the membrane and see if there is any movement. Otherwise, yeah she was just in the wrong position and so she wasn’t able to zip properly

 

[tviss711]

Also, to help you feel better, this baby was malpositioned, she didn’t pip into the air cell. So that is likely why she couldn’t get out on her own! If there is any chance that she’s still alive, peel back the membrane and see if there is any movement. Otherwise, yeah she was just in the wrong position and so she wasn’t able to zip properly

I was thinking this too. It looks like she pipped out of her air cell.

 

[Mjismom]

She didn’t make it. Thank you so much for all your help. I can see now why you are an early assister, Slothinc. I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long like so many resources say to do. I’m pretty sure I would have been able to save her if I would have done it earlier. I cried. I’m glad my kids didn’t.

I told them we are going to a local hatchery to get some chicks this week to add to this brood. And on top of that, my friend gave me 10 fertile eggs so I get to do this all over again.