Leg popped out!

[Cfamilygo]

Good morning! We are on day 24 of hatching chicks. Eight are out and running but we are still having chicks pip and pop out. One has gotten his leg through and seems to be fruitlessly kicking against nothing. Should we try to push his leg back in, leave it? Would love some ideas and wisdom, thanks!

 

[LynnaePB]

Is the chick with the leg popping out part way zipped already? If so he should be ready to come out and it won't hurt to pop off the blunt end of the shell and see if he makes it out the rest of the way on his own.

I've had a few who got their leg out while zipping, it looked so uncomfortable and I was worried about them hurting themselves so I helped out right away. It didn't hurt them at all, the babies I had like that were just like the chicks that hatched out completely on their own.

 

[Cfamilygo]

He is spinning in circles as he moves his leg that is outside. We can see him trying to move his head back but he can’t seem to get enough traction to unzip.

 

[LynnaePB]

I'm guessing he is in the zipping process if his leg is out like that, I'd get the top off the shell to help him out personally, if he's not able to push out with the top off you can probably gently get him out completely if his yolk is definitely absorbed. Good luck!!!