Need help ASAP my hen quit sitting at day 17 what do I do?

[coolchik]

If you're going to help at all, you could poke a hole in the air sac to get them started. Do not try to peel away at their shells. This can kill the chick. It can take 12-24 hours after the first pip to fully hatch. I'm a little worried about how long it's been and the fact that they have not pipped yet. If you take out an egg to make a hole in it, have a wet sponge ready to put in the incubator to keep up the humidity as it is absolutely critical they have high humidity. When you open the bator, all the humidity will escape out, so be ready with that sponge. And do it quickly. You don't want to disturb them any more than you have to. Good luck, keep me posted

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

Ok I hope their ready all the way though.

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

Ok the shell is very hard it took for ever to get through and it didn't make a hole but it started to crack it so I put it right back in there! Its still moving what should I do?? Should I do all of them or see how that one does

 

[coolchik]

So sorry! Have been in the yard all day.... Any progress? Any pips?

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

It has hole in shell still no progress. but maybe when I get home their will be chicks everywhere

 

[dekel18042]

Ok the shell is very hard it took for ever to get through and it didn't make a hole but it started to crack it so I put it right back in there! Its still moving what should I do?? Should I do all of them or see how that one does

Because going in can be so risky, we don't interfere until a pip has been made and then nothing for a looooong time. It can take between 12-24 hours for the zip to appear. Often after pipping the chick is very tired and will sleep for a bit before he proceeds further.
If you put the hole in, it might not be in position for him to zip, which I understand he does by turning inside the egg.
In most cases it is a case of a big peep in an egg too small for it. (Have to ask myself, have we helped mostly roosters?)
Once, and I know this has happened to other people, the chick has head jammed in he smaller end of the egg and has a difficult turning to pick his way out of the egg.
In over 50 eggs incubated, we've had to help three.
But I do think doing so carries a risk so I wait until I'm sure this step is necessary.
Sometimes if you can hear them and their cries seem to be getting weaker, that may be a sign help is needed.

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

I don't hear anything just a little movement. There bantams

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

Its been 3 days n still no pipp. I can hear them chirp n see eggs move. What do I do

 

[tlbirdsmisty]

I got a pipp!! Their moving n chirping!!

 

[coolchik]

That's great! How's it going now?