Need HELP ASAP.....

[AngelaNicole1215]

I had a fox take out my entire flock and these hens were so special to me. I had a couple young roosters I had just given to a friend but had 14 eggs I wanted to try to incubate to have babies from my girls I lost. Out of those I had 1 fertile egg that had a baby at day 5. 1 out of 14 . I've been on pins and needles waiting for this egg to get to day 21. Most of my chicks in this incubator hatch at day 20 or have at least made their external pip by day 20. When I got to day 20 and not even an outside pip I freaked out (total mistake now) and I opened the air pocket end to see if it was even alive and I could only see a very white membrane with no internal pip but could see what looked like it breathing in and out motion of the membrane or a slow heartbeat. My husband then said maybe we need to make the internal pip because we have had so many breach before and die fully developed or break their beaks trying to get out. I then poked a small hole in the membrane with tweezers and it bled a little so then I really freaked out. I tried one other little spot where I thought it's beak was but the membrane was so white I couldn't see blood vessels so it bled just a little in that spot. I got a wet paper towel and stopped the bleeding which made the membrane see through and I still couldn't see the beak so I just put the egg back in the incubator to figure out what to do. I have no idea what to do now. I don't see the beak at all but don't know if it's ok to wait since I poked those 2 small holes in the membrane or if I should try to find the beak to make sure it can breathe?? Help!?!? This chick is so important to me and I want to make the right decision after I feel like I have already messed up so bad. I'm just so scared this baby won't make it and I'm over thinking everything!!

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I'd put a little scotch tape over the hole in the shell. To prevent it from drying it. Then leave it the heck alone. These last few hours are so critical. I totally get where you're coming from. It's nerve-racking for sure. But the best thing for the little guy is proper temp, humidity, and no more help. Read the Sally Sunshine thread and educate yourself on the hatching process a bit more. I learn something new every time I read it too.

 

[AngelaNicole1215]

Thank you so much for replying, I put it back in right after I did it and haven't touched it. Just worried because I don't see much movement at all. Do you think it's ok that I poked those small holes in the membrane, I was worried that might cause it issues.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

I think it's hard enough for a chick to hatch without added interference. You didn't do it any favors but I've had many hatch when I made a serious mistake with incubation or hatching. Hopefully you've got one of the strong ones!