Malpositioned? Chicken egg hatching

[ChickenGal247]

I have shipped eggs that externally pipped this AM. I just checked again and noticed one of the chicks now appears to have its leg/foot over its beak. The hole is bigger, but it’s beak is now partially obscured when it wasn’t before. The egg is still rocking back and forth quite vigorously but no further progress. Curious if anyone has seen this. What was the outcome? Wondering if I’ll have to intervene eventually or if the little guy can figure it out.

Note: I have not (and will not) open the incubator while there are other eggs pipped.

Thanks!

 

[Riv-6]

Did this chick hatch okay?

@CluckNDoodle should be able to give you some great advise!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

It sounds like the chick is malpositioned, it's not normal to see the leg in the pip hole. Sometimes malpositioned chicks can still hatch without assistance but I would keep an eye on it to see if it seems like it's in distress. I see that it has been several hours since this post. Can you update us on how things are going?

 

[ChickenGal247]

He (or she) is out and thriving! I did have to intervene. It was clear he was trying hard to unzip but was unable to make progress due to the poor positioning. He just couldn’t reach the shell with his foot over the beak. Otherwise, he’s a very healthy little chick!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

He (or she) is out and thriving! I did have to intervene. It was clear he was trying hard to unzip but was unable to make progress due to the poor positioning. He just couldn’t reach the shell with his foot over the beak. Otherwise, he’s a very healthy little chick!

That's the best kind of update! I'm glad to hear he's doing well!