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Need help with "shrink wrap" & late hatch chick

Discussion in 'Incubating & Hatching Eggs' started by newchickenfamily, Jan 13, 2009.

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  1. Jan 13, 2009 #1
    newchickenfamily

    newchickenfamily Chillin' With My Peeps

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    OK, it's the hatching newbie again... I had 5 chicks hatch out this morning. I have one chick that has the "shrink wrap" stuff on it's back and a little on it's head. Otherwise it seems fine. Do I need to do anything for this?

    Also, I have a bantam that pipped almost 24 hours ago, and it's still in the shell. It's zipped a little, but I'm thinking it may be shrink wrapped in there too??? Do I just let nature take it's course, or can I help it?

    When can I take the little fluffer-butts out an into the brooder?

    Thanks in advance...
     
  3. Jan 13, 2009 #2
    estpr13

    estpr13 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Quote:It sounds like your humidity was too low in the bator. THis caused the "shrink wrap" to dry out and stick to the chick. It sound like the pipped bantam is having the same problem.

    I really hesitate to help a chick. I almost pulled the guts out of one I thought was hatched out when I lifted the lower half of the shell out of the bator and the chick came with it still attached. If it seems like the little one is not going to make it, I might help it zip and let it push out on its own. It may be too dry as well.

    I get the feeling (Basicly I don't know but believe) that when the chick pushes out of the egg the zipping and pushing helps it absorb the remaining yoke into its abdomen and when you help, it leaves some of the yoke on the outside.

    I leave my chicks in the bator for a day or two and only remove the eggshells when it gets crowded. They don't need food or water for a few days and by that time they can see, have their legs, and their fluff is all dry.
     
  5. Jan 13, 2009 #3
    newchickenfamily

    newchickenfamily Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Thanks estpr13... I also hesitate to help. It's so hard to see the little egg struggle though. I can see it in there. [​IMG]

    What about the chick that has already hatched but has some of the shrink wrap on it's back? Will that come off on it's own eventually or will it harm the chick?
     
  7. Jan 13, 2009 #4
    crazychicken

    crazychicken Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Last edited: Jan 13, 2009
  9. Jan 13, 2009 #5
    newchickenfamily

    newchickenfamily Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Thank you crazychicken! I think that's what I will do.... I've upped the humidity and will leave it be for awhile, then try your suggestions (without panicking!). [​IMG]
     
  11. Jan 13, 2009 #6
    UrbanMama

    UrbanMama Gone Country....

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    What has your humidity been and where's it at right now? The chickie with gunk on it...I wouldn't worry about it too much just yet. It's brooder-mates will probably take care of it for him. As for the one that has pipped and is zipping...I'd try to make sure the humidty is right and see what it does on it's own. If you decide to "help"...make sure you read the sticky at the top of this page.

    Good luck! [​IMG]
     
  13. Jan 13, 2009 #7
    crazychicken

    crazychicken Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Quote:your welcome it is a lot easier to do that then write it out [​IMG]

    any way back to home work [​IMG]
     
  15. Jan 13, 2009 #8
    newchickenfamily

    newchickenfamily Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Quote:The humidity was about 83% and spiked during the other hatches. I had to leave for work ( [​IMG] ) and when I got home, the humidity had dropped to 70%. I've upped it back to about 80% in hopes that there is a chance for the little chickie. I'm NOT going to make any hasty decisions and will read the sticky on top of the page further before I do anything.

    Thanks for everyone's words of wisdom and encouragement!! [​IMG]
     
  17. Jan 13, 2009 #9
    newchickenfamily

    newchickenfamily Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Update! Got the little banty chick out! It looks like a little drowned mouse from all the water I was using, but hopefully it will be OK. Thanks for the advice everyone! [​IMG]
     
  19. Jan 13, 2009 #10
    onthespot

    onthespot Deluxe Dozens

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    that is good news! I had one pip last night, looked a little dry, I opted to do nothing and woke up this morning to a dead in shell chick... sometimes you never know what is the right thing to do... mostly when I help, I kill them.
     
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