membrane question ???

I just had some Appenzeller Spitzhauben hatch but....... they all needed assistance

They all pipped but when the first one started zipping it couldn't get through the membrane, so there was a ring around the egg that was missing the shell. I had a hard time getting through it. I am not talking about the membrane the chick was in, that was fine so I don't think it was a humidity issue. This is the one that is attached to the shell. Usually this is like paper and the chicks zip right through it, but this was thick and rubbery. Is this hereditary? Experience??
Thanks
Krista