I just helped a chick out of the shell on Friday. The #3 chick I mentioned earlier in fact. It had pipped but 14 hours later no zip. It's peeping sounded weak so I went in for the assist and started pulling away shell. No bleeding. No sign of any unabsorbed blood vessels so I kept going. Baby started to get excited and struggling but that is when I noticed the membrane was drier than I wanted it to be and thick. I tore the membrane. No blood. Baby rolled out in my hand completely healthy and ready to face the world.
I was glad I decided to assist. I don't think the tiny bantam chick would have ever gotten out of that shell under it's own locomotion.
As to when to go in and assist. It's hard. I trust my gut. No progress is something I look for. Weak peep something else to watch out for but if you do decide to help, make sure you know what you are getting into. There are several excellent articles here on BYC concerning assisted hatches.
Personally, I've had weird weather conditions here and my broodies have had a hard time keeping consistent humidity on the eggs. I've seen lots of dry and thick membranes that have cost me a few chicks last month.
Hope Cookie gets on the ball and gets itself born.
I was glad I decided to assist. I don't think the tiny bantam chick would have ever gotten out of that shell under it's own locomotion.
As to when to go in and assist. It's hard. I trust my gut. No progress is something I look for. Weak peep something else to watch out for but if you do decide to help, make sure you know what you are getting into. There are several excellent articles here on BYC concerning assisted hatches.
Personally, I've had weird weather conditions here and my broodies have had a hard time keeping consistent humidity on the eggs. I've seen lots of dry and thick membranes that have cost me a few chicks last month.
Hope Cookie gets on the ball and gets itself born.
