Humidity dropped during lockdown

[DarlingFarmGirl]

This is my first hatch. I put them in lockdown Sunday evening, and noticed one pipped last night. When I went to bed, the humidity was at 64%, and this morning it was at 18%!!! I have no idea how or why it dropped so much and so quickly, but the chick is still chirping, but hasn't made much progress. Today is day 20, idk if the drop affected those who haven't pipped, but at what point do I need to assist??

 

[WalnutHill]

The pip looks really low compared to your candling mark. What day did you make the mark?

I'd get wet sponges in there ASAP...not stacked, line them up side by side around the edge. While it's open, look at the torn membrane at the edge of the hole to see if it's white or tan. If white, leave it alone. If tan, watch it closely. It's not at all unusual for a chick to wait 12-18 hours to finally zip after pipping, but sooner or later it should show signs of trying to progress. If it starts peeping with a really harsh sound, a stress peep, or stops peeping when you tap on the window, it may need help.

 

[DarlingFarmGirl]

I dipped a finger in warm water, and touched the pipped area, and had to step out. When I got back, it had chipped the shell much more! So if it's making progress, I shoudnt need to assist at this point, correct? I candled it just before lockdown; I also noticed it pipped quite a bit away from the marked area.

 

[WalnutHill]

that's a great sign!

 

[DarlingFarmGirl]

How many hours this far zipped is acceptable?

 

[WalnutHill]

When it's gotten that far it should finish within a half hour. If not, there's trouble, usually. Some do seem to take a nap. So listen to the voice, if it sounds like a baby bluejay instead of a happy chick, time to step in.

 

[DarlingFarmGirl]

Do I just pull it out and assist? I have another egg with a small pip, and 2 other eggs

 

[WalnutHill]

Yes, pull it out quickly and have a warm moist towel in hand. A pip isn't much danger for a quick opening, a zip is. Immediately wrap it in the towel up to the zip line, and take a look.