late hatch...

[maurakelly]

Hi,
This is my first hatch. I set 6 eggs. I got 5 beautiful chicks on Sunday (day 20). I still have one that hasn't hatched. Did float test and it was still good. Should I start the chick by pipping for it? I know that everyone says to wait but for how long?
Thanks

 

[KatD]

Pipping is always a bad idea. I have that worked 24 hour and had a sticky looking gap in the shell because I figured he had lost momentum and was a goner otherwise. so far he is still weak in the brooder and hasn't walked yet after 10 hours. I'll let you know. But I think 5 of 6 is really good. I would wait 7 days before autopsy. While 4 is probably more than adequate if you hatched at 20 weeks. I believe my brooder is too cold because my babies keep hatching on days 22 - 26. I'm in the market for a new thermometer. Cheers!
Kat D

 

[KatD]

edit: I have assisted one that worked 24 hours and had a dry gap in the shell as I figured he was getting "stuck" in the shell and was a gonner other wise