Need help immediately with hatching chick

[Abriana]

I have a baby who has been trying to hatch all day. The shell is around her but the membrane is drying and I can’t get to it to moisten it without breaking the shell. Do I break it to help? She is breathing heavily.

 

[WhiteWyan]

Disclaimer, I've never done this. But from what I have *read* you can pull shell off bit by bit as long as you don't see blood.

Shrink wrapped chicks sometimes people use Vaseline or olive oil to keep membrane pliable.

Good luck!!!

 

[nightowl223]

I have a baby who has been trying to hatch all day. The shell is around her but the membrane is drying and I can’t get to it to moisten it without breaking the shell. Do I break it to help? She is breathing heavily.
View attachment 1458367

When helping, you have to determine where the air cell is. It appears she's pipped in the correct area, so anywhere above where she has opened the shell should be safe to remove. Do so slowly, and if there is any sign of blood, stop immediately. Once you have enough removed, carefully moisten the membrane with either sterile water or some people use olive oil (though I have never used it, and would be nervous to use it). Be very careful when adding moisture, in case it might get into the chick's nose and airway. That could be deadly for it.

 

[nightowl223]

Once you have the top of the shell off, she might be able to come on out. Watch carefully, though. If there is still sign of yolk she hasn't yet absorbed, you need to set her upright in the shell and let her sit there, resting, while she finishes absorbing it. Some people put another piece of shell over the top of the chick in that situation, and some simply watch it closely.

 

[cmom]

All good advice. Proceed with caution.

 

[C3 mommy]

I used a little Vaseline on a q tip after chipping away at the shell, makes membrane clear so you can see everything that's going on! Keep us updated! good luck!!

 

[Abriana]

Ok so I got a little nervous because she was breathing funny and seemed exhausted. I was very very careful and began to pull pieces of the shell off in little teeny bits. No blood and so I proceeded and then rubbed coconut oil on the membrane. She started cheeping and moving around. I peeled off the membrane where I could reach and then kept pulling off shell. I got to the end and she just laid there, exhausted, just a teensy bit of yolk left. I quickly put her in between my cupped hands and as soon as it warmed up she began cheeping and moving a bit. I put her back under mama and she seems super tired. I can’t wait to see how she is tomorrow! Thank you all so much for your quick responses so late. I got home from an event and had a feeling I should go and check on the baby. I hope she does well and I’ll give you an update in the morning. thanks so much

 

[nightowl223]

Sounds like you have everything under control, then. Good job with the little one! I hope she does well and is happy & healthy when you peek in on her again, in the morning.

 

[Abriana]

Sounds like you have everything under control, then. Good job with the little one! I hope she does well and is happy & healthy when you peek in on her again, in the morning.

Thank you! I’m praying

 

[Abriana]

Guess what?! She’s alive and fluffy and the cutest of the three! I will get pics later