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Thank you all so much for such a heartwarming welcome! I truly appreciate it.

Actually, I'm rather worried. I don't want to start yet another new thread about helping or not helping stuck chickens..

I currently have 9 in the incubator, one woke me up this morning at 5am. It has zipped the half so far, but since— nothing. It's now 6pm. The membrane is slowly starting to change color to yellow, despite humidity constantly being between 65-70%. I don't seem to be able to raise it any higher.

None of the others have wiggled or chirped yet at all. I know, I shouldn't interfer since the others might pay the price.

It's just so heartbreaking, knowing there is a life that is struggling and there's nothing to do. I'm worried the chirps are becoming weaker..

Then I'm scared about the rest. Could something have happened to them since I candled them before lockdown? They got shipped, so that adds a day I read? And of course, they'll be ready at their own time.

How did I think I could handle this? I'm way too stressed right now.
 
Hi May. If your temp was a little low they'll hatch late. Zipping half way and stopping isn't uncommon, but do keep an eye on it. I'd put coconut oil or shortening or vegetable oil on the membrane that's turning color. I just use a q-tip when necessary. 24 hours to fully unzip isn't uncommon, so a bit more time is warranted.
 
rjohns39 said:
Hi May. If your temp was a little low they'll hatch late. Zipping half way and stopping isn't uncommon, but do keep an eye on it. I'd put coconut oil or shortening or vegetable oil on the membrane that's turning color. I just use a q-tip when necessary. 24 hours to fully unzip isn't uncommon, so a bit more time is warranted.
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Thank you! I have rape seed oil at the standby, q tips, different tweezers and a dremel for very fine precarving for the zip, just in case.

Sponges too, to add to the incubator for the humidity.

I'm just also so worried about the other 8? I don't want to kill them, just because of saving one.

I guess I'm faced with the trolly problem. I always hated it.
 
daswindkind said:
Thank you! I have rape seed oil at the standby, q tips, different tweezers and a dremel for very fine precarving for the zip, just in case.

Sponges too, to add to the incubator for the humidity.

I'm just also so worried about the other 8? I don't want to kill them, just because of saving one.

I guess I'm faced with the trolly problem. I always hated it.
Click to expand...
The others will be fine if you have to intercede to save this one. If you decide that you must assist, use the tweezers to gently break away shell in the zip line. Your goal is to not penetrate the membrane until you can see it and confirm there are no blood vessels in it. Once you've confirmed it, gently remove the cap, inspect the membrane and remove it.

At this point, I generally set the chick down to see if it can kick free of the shell.

ETA; Read this while your deciding https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/
 
rjohns39 said:
The others will be fine if you have to intercede to save this one. If you decide that you must assist, use the tweezers to gently break away shell in the zip line. Your goal is to not penetrate the membrane until you can see it and confirm there are no blood vessels in it. Once you've confirmed it, gently remove the cap, inspect the membrane and remove it.

At this point, I generally set the chick down to see if it can kick free of the shell.

ETA; Read this while your deciding https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for that advice. I decided I will help it, while at the same time dropping in another sponge with hot water.

I have checked the other eggs again and again, not a single one has any pip. Not a wriggle, not a peep.

I hope I'm making the right decision.
 

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