LittleFluffMom
In the Brooder
- Aug 2, 2021
- 13
- 19
- 41
This is my first time hatching eggs and it has been an adventure. They were Ebay eggs, a second batch because the first was smashed in the mail. 2 of the 18 hatched and are doing well. My incubator was great. It maintained 45-50% humidity and 99-100.5° pretty much the entire incubation period, cross checked on three thermometers and two hydrometers that were calibrated and accurate. (not including the incubator thermometer and hydrometer) Anyway, I'm happy with my 3 little healthy fluff balls that hatched. My dilemma is, one chick pipped and was in the same position for 24 hours making very small progress on its hole. It's beak was pretty far out and it seemed like it couldn't turn around to unzip. It seemed strong and chirped and wiggled quite a bit. While resting it always seemed to be gasping (?) I assisted it a tiny bit then let it rest. 36 hours in I decided to assist it further. At about 40ish or more hours it "hatched" with my assistance. A clear rubbery goo was nestled by its bottom mixed with white stuff. A rubbery cord like thing was looped over the back of its neck preventing it from uncurling. It's now laying on its side looking like it's gasping with guts (?) coming out the bottom. Did I assist it too early? 
I feel like a failed chick mom.
I feel like a failed chick mom.
I suppose I should have let it die. It fought so hard.
