New hatch in trouble. Please Help!

[Danno B]

I just hatched 5 Speckled Sussex chicks. 4 had no problems and are fine. 5th had a hard time hatching. Nearly two days. I finally opened the head end of the egg but only because I could see the chick through the large pip hole and noticed it was struggling to breath. It did end up hatching, but is still struggling to breath, and now I see a clear mucus in it's mouth everytime it opens it's beak to get a breath. Out of the egg like this. Ideas on what it is and how I can help? I hate seeing the little guy like this. He is up and moving about, but everytime he stops he will lie down, stretch out his neck, then gasp. HELP!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He could still be developing his lung capacity which they work on after they pip but before they hatch. I would think his struggle to get out of the egg has set him behind. The best you can do is wait and see, hopefully after a few days he will get stronger.

 

[Danno B]

That makes sense. Thank you so much. He does seem to be doing better. I have him separated from the rest. He is very active otherwise. I will update and let you know. Thanks again!