I need hatching support

[jeepgirl13]

Pipped chick is still moving! I was just not patient enough earlier watching. Now I can go to work with a little bit of peace of mind.

 

[GiggleOinkQuack]

Keep us updated!

 

[ShannonR]

I would leave the pips alone except for a safety hole

 

[jeepgirl13]

Home from work! Silkie baby has made a much bigger crack in the egg, but it doesnt look like a "normal" zip. No progress from the one that pipped first. Little chick in still moving and breathin . I can see it gaping. Here's pics. First one with large hole is the one that pipped yesterday around 6 or 7pm. The second and third pics are of the little silkie egg that was rockin and had just pipped this morning.

 

[jeepgirl13]

If your landlord's Silkie flock is having issues hatching their own chicks, I would be looking at other causes than the incubation aspect. Bird health, age, nutrition, ECT all come into play with producing viable eggs. The rooster could be too old and have low fertility maybe, or my biggest question personally would be the hens' diet.

I don't think it's your fault, in this case.

What is ECT? I did a quick search here on byc before heading to work, but didnt see any info on it? Haven't hit up google yet. Will probably do that next. Got to figure out how to fill the time now

 

[jeepgirl13]

So has anyone ever assisted a hatch before? What were the signs that made you do it? How did you do it? If I have to get anyone out ove got 2 humidifiers, a cool mist and a steam one, I plan on running in the room before opening the bator. I hear lots of peeping and see movement, I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst I guess.

 

[casportpony]

I usually wait at least 24-48 hours from when they pip externally to when I assist. Please, please, please, give them more time before you think about assisting. While waiting, read this article by @Pyxis.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[jeepgirl13]

Oh no! I dont want to assist at all! I want them to do their thing on their own so I have strong healthy chicks. I just think I am really worried about the silkie eggs seeing as out of 3 hens, and dozens of eggs, the ladies were only able to hatch 2 put on their own. It was heartbreaking to toss so many fully formed chicks, a few of which started to hatch. I'll def give the article a read tho. Knowledge never hurts!

 

[Compost King]

I had the worst hatch success rates when I kept trying to help, help one egg and you cause problems for the others that have pipped already

 

[jeepgirl13]

I plugged in my humidifier and went and bumbled around for almost an hr. My first pip has made considerable progress!!