It's been over 24 hours and still looks like this!

[admill37262]

I had a mama abandon her very last chick hatching last night. I brought it into the incubator this morning and this is what it looks like. Do I need to intervene in any way? I put a damp paper towel in there. Humidity is at 68. Any help is appreciated!!

 

[admill37262]

He's here!!! Literally from my last post until now he managed to get out on his own!!!! I was headed down with all my supplies to get the little dude out and there he was

 

[jeepgirl13]

Yes, somewhere near her beak, and not too large. Rub the membrane with a thin coat of coconut oil if you have it, sunflower oil would work too... idea is to keep the membrane from drying out before your chick has a chance to bully her way out.

Triple antibiotic will help as well. The kind without pain relief

 

[jeepgirl13]

Only thing is his umbilical cord is still attached and he's dragging around the egg shell. But otherwise he is all fluffed up this morning and chirping!!

It should dry up and fall off on it's own. I've heard of people clipping it off really close to the shell and letting the rest fall off on it's own. Them dragging the shell around can cause issues.

 

[jeepgirl13]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[Ebony Rose]

Personally, I would intervene. It looks like she's trying to punch her way out of a balloon. (difficult at best, deadly at worst)

 

[Mvan42]

Yes I agree I would help her. I have had this same thing the putter membrane is to think for them to get through. I help as little as possible to allow the chick to push out when ready.

 

[jeepgirl13]

Grab the very tippy top of it with tweezers and GENTLY pull until it rips a bit. If you see blood stop immediately and lightly touch a paper towel to it.

 

[Ebony Rose]

So would you just poke a hole in it?

Yes, somewhere near her beak, and not too large. Rub the membrane with a thin coat of coconut oil if you have it, sunflower oil would work too... idea is to keep the membrane from drying out before your chick has a chance to bully her way out.

 

[admill37262]

You guys are great! Thanks so much...I will update!