How Long Can it Take for a Chick to Fully Emerge?

[catlover8976]

The first egg that started hatching is now looking like it might be the last, it started on day 21 it's now the morning of day 23 it's made little progress, my incubator doesn't have a humidity read out but I've done what it says to do in the instruction booklet. Already two chicks have fully emerged and this morning one egg was almost halfway out and 2 more had piped. How long should I wait before I try helping this chick? It's getting a bit bashed about by the other chicks at the moment.

 

[KellyHM]

Does it have a hole in the egg or still just a pip? If it's been pipped for 2 days you should probably go ahead and peel back the shell a little bit to see what's going on. Getting tossed around by the others doesn't help. I wouldn't be surprised if it's dead, but hopefully not!

 

[catlover8976]

It's more than piping, it's 1/3 of the way round maybe? But it had a bit of trouble from the start as instead of going round the shell making little cracks so it can split the shell in half it ended up making one huge hole in the side, but it's trying to correct it's self I can see. I know it's alive as I can see it breathing but it's starting to cheep a little less.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I agree with Kelly. It is time to step in. Start by removing the shell, A VERY LITTLE AT A TIME, near the head... keep going around the egg in a circle like the chick would. If you see ANY liquid at all, put it back. On the other hand, if the chick is completely entombed with the membrane, we have another lesson ahead of us. And I hope you answer quick! I am tired!

 

[KellyHM]

I would still be inclined to help if it's taking him that long. I usually chip the shell away in a circle like it would be if they did it, then peel away the outer membrane, leaving the inner one so you don't make them bleed. I then usually wrap the end in a wet paper towel, leaving room for them to breathe, and let them push themselves the rest of the way out.

 

[catlover8976]

I' sorry about the time zones, it's morning over here. ^^'

I'm still inclined to see if it makes progress till midday, if it's still making progress I think I should leave it alone, if not I'll decide to help.

Is this wise or m I just leaning on Mother Nature a bit too much?