Newbie... Is this chick ok?

[jennylynn143]

Hello, new to chickens here! Incubating 2 sets of eggs from a friend. Out of the first set of 3, 1 hatched perfect and is thriving, the 2nd one ( pictured) has me concerned. This one was stuck unzipping with no progress for 12 hrs so we assisted by taking off a ring of outer shell. Eventually it was able to open the lid. Then it became clear that the inner membrane had dried to its body restricting progress so I moistened those areas with a q-tip. Finally she broke free. I'm concerned that while our first became sure footed fairly quickly, this one keeps getting stuck on it's back, flopping around, and seems to have a huge belly. I have no idea what's normal since I'm new to all this so input is appreciated!

 

[SIMZ]

The big question is when this chick hatched. If it's been within hours, then I'd say it's most likely normal. The big belly is probably from the recently absorbed yolk. My guess is it wasn't quite ready to hatch yet (12 hours after pipping is normal - it can take hours longer than that). Chicks sometimes flop around on their back like that, anyway.

If this has been going on for 24 hours or longer, then there may be a problem, but some chicks just take longer to get themselves "together" than others.

Best of luck with your new chicks!

 

[lazy gardener]

I think she is a he!

 

[jennylynn143]

oh boy! How can you tell?

 

[jennylynn143]

Thank you! It seems to be improving more and more. It pipped 24 hrs before hatching, the pic was right after hatch. I'm just to anxious as a first timer!!! I have another egg ( day 23) thtn I've heard tapping inside of but no external pip do I'm trying to be patient.

 

[pogmobum]

Patience i think is by far the hardest part of hatching but also usually the best thing to practice

 

[SIMZ]

Patience i think is by far the hardest part of hatching but also usually the best thing to practice

DEFINITELY! I'm still working on it myself........

 

[jennylynn143]

*Update*
Thank you for all the encouragement! Little chick is looking good 36 hours post hatch! He/she is the dark chick in the back. Not sure what mix of breeds it is since the eggs are from a friend.

 

[SIMZ]

Cuties! So glad the little chick is doing better!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Your chicks are adorable, glad to hear the little one has pulled through. Enjoy them, they grow quick!