March Hatch-Along Thread- Come Hatch With Us!!!!!

[hokankai]

The greenish yellow on the towel? That is poop. Can't see anything else. Is it out yet?

 

[BantyChickenLuv]

The greenish yellow on the towel? That is poop. Can't see anything else. Is it out yet?

No, not that. It is directly coming from the egg. Not out yet either.

 

[animaladdictions]

So just took a better picture while Stormy was taking a nap - he always has to be right near me when I'm looking in the 'bator, and it's quite frustrating. You can kinda see the yellow stuff I was talking about.

It's hard to tell for sure but it looks like it might of gotten itself turned around while zipping... totally up to you, but I'd probably peel away the shell just above the air cell and see what's up.

 

[animaladdictions]

Oh no! That is horrible :'(

I'm dreading the day we meet raccoons. I've tried to build my coops like Fort Knox to avoid it as long as I can

You're doing the right thing...all of our coops are strong but this one had a small section that I didn't really think anything could get into...coons are VERY strong and VERY determined it seems! It just makes me sick...I should've known better. The survivors won't go back out until I'm 100% positive that they'll be safe and are feeling better. Trust me, even if it's the tiniest hole, a coon will pull and pull til he gets in. We kept them out for a long time but for some reason, they were able to get in this time. I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself for ignoring the small hole. One thing's for certain though, I'll never again underestimate the strength and determination of a coon! The trap is now set too...didn't get him last night but hoping we do tonight!!!

 

[threadgeek]

Thought I'd let everyone know...yesterday was a horrible and tragic day for me. We had a coon break into my lavender call duck pen. I went out yesterday morning to find FIVE dead ducks and a dead Polish rooster that was in the pen with them. The survivors are in the house getting some much needed love and care. Out of the five that survived, only one was unharmed...the other four have puncture wounds, bruises, and other injuries to boot. Needless to say, I was devastated. I had been working on this color project for almost three years! I feel extra bad too because I had promised PugBug some eggs from them. I'm simply heartbroken over the whole thing.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Passing hugs...

I'm sending healthy thoughts your way for your remaining birds. I too am afraid of animals getting my birds and we built what I think is a sturdy coop. Would you mind sharing how large the whole was that they got through?

Btw, I got a pip!!! Here's a picture... I think it may take a while before the chick starts zipping? It's my first hatch. I know this is going to keep me up all night with excitement.

 

[hokankai]

No, not that. It is directly coming from the egg. Not out yet either.

I would help it at this point.

 

[BantyChickenLuv]

I would help it at this point. 

I did read the guide to assist hatching... But how would I do it? Just chip away gently at the air cell area with tweezers or my fingers? And would I take the egg in the bathroom and turn on a hot shower? I've never had to help before, and I'm very nervous to do so. Also, is there a chance the chick could be deformed, and die anyways?

 

[hokankai]

There's always that chance, but there's also the chance that it's foot is in the wrong spot so it can't turn correctly.

When mine had trouble that were zipping I really just tore the top of the egg off. I knew the blood vessels and yolk were absorbed at that point so I just wanted to help it get out. If you are worried something is wrong you can take it into a steamy bathroom and use tweezers to chip shell away. Keep the membrane moist by dipping your finger in warm water and rubbing it on the white membrane. When you do this also look for any engorged blood vessels that would mean it isn't ready, but at this point the blood is probably all absorbed. Once you chip the shell around the base of the aircell you can get a closer look. Just follow your gut and move slowly.

 

[threadgeek]

I wish I could help but I'm a total newb. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you though!

 

[hokankai]

I wish I was there so I could help you! It's very scary but you just have to do what you feel is best.