Well we went down this morning and checked on Lukka. Michael raised her up and the chick that pipped this morning had hatched. It is a beautiful chipmunk patterned baby. The one that pipped yesterday was pretty much peeled of the shell but the membrane was stuck like glue to the chick, still in the egg shape. I carefully pulled the membrane off but the chick looked weak and had a small yolk protrusion. I put it back under Lukka. I removed the shell and noticed a horrid rancid odor coming from it, like a rotten egg smell. I gave the baby a few hours to see what would happen. I just went down again and lifted Lukka up. The baby was flattened against the bottom of the nest box, gasping. I took it out and examined it. The small yolk sack smelled bad. There was a second protrusion from the umbilicus that had blood in it. The chick was limp and struggling to breathe. I made the decision to cull the little sweet thing. It was hard but I knew it was the right thing to do. Maybe now Lukka will start showing the other three how to eat and drink. Two of them are three days old at this point and need nourishment. I am not sad. Lukka had a 100% hatch rate, it was just not meant to be for one little one. I can't wait to see the Momma out with her babies soon.
Thanks for all the advice and support.
Mary
p.s. I will post pics as soon as the little family emerge from the nestbox.
