No zip — one whole shell side chipped away

[BuddyAndBeanFarm]

Hi all. I have a broody who’s been sitting. Three chicks hatched this morning. #4 might be struggling a bit. This is my first hatch and I’m trying to be patient. But as you can see there was no classic zip, the side of the egg was gone. The chick is peeping and moving, peeps are coming from the correct end of the egg. I know there is lots of debate on whether to assist or not. What would you pros recommend? This has been going on for at least 6 hours. It’s HOT here, in the upper 90s. Momma hen is busy with the other three.

Blue circle is where I hear the chirping:

 

[HuskerHens18]

You need to keep the membrane moist, gently apply a LIGHT coat of warm water or some use coconut oil. Otherwise the chick will get shrinkwrapped. Do you have an incubator to put it in?

 

[Rose Quartz]

Hi all. I have a broody who’s been sitting. Three chicks hatched this morning. #4 might be struggling a bit. This is my first hatch and I’m trying to be patient. But as you can see there was no classic zip, the side of the egg was gone. The chick is peeping and moving, peeps are coming from the correct end of the egg. I know there is lots of debate on whether to assist or not. What would you pros recommend? This has been going on for at least 6 hours. It’s HOT here, in the upper 90s. Momma hen is busy with the other three.


View attachment 1450891

Blue circle is where I hear the chirping:View attachment 1450892

looks like mama might have sat on it. You can try assisting it will likely need help to get out, just go slow. it might not be ready.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

 

[mill-j]

I really doubt that chick will hatch by itself, your best bet will be very carefully helping it out before it dries against the chick too hard. A little water should help.

 

[BuddyAndBeanFarm]

Thank you guys — my gut was telling me it needs help but I didn’t want to be hasty. Hopefully I can help it out!

No incubator, just a broody mama hen.

 

[HuskerHens18]

Thank you guys — my gut was telling me it needs help but I didn’t want to be hasty. Hopefully I can help it out!

No incubator, just a broody mama hen.

Okay then yeah I'd probably assist it, just be super careful. If you see blood, stop immediately.

 

[BuddyAndBeanFarm]

Okay then yeah I'd probably assist it, just be super careful. If you see blood, stop immediately.

Assisted a bit at chipping away around the air pocket ... mama hen had actually broken the membrane around the chick’s foot. Chickie also broke their little beak through the membrane too. At the very top I saw one active vein so I stopped. I can also see a tiny bit of yolk, pinkie fingernail sized .... At this point without a brooder and seeing that this chick isn’t quite ready, I’ve tucked it back in with mama hen. Not sure what else to do at this point, so crossing my fingers chickie finishes absorbing and hatches safely with mama tonight.

 

[HuskerHens18]

Assisted a bit at chipping away around the air pocket ... mama hen had actually broken the membrane around the chick’s foot. Chickie also broke their little beak through the membrane too. At the very top I saw one active vein so I stopped. I can also see a tiny bit of yolk, pinkie fingernail sized .... At this point without a brooder and seeing that this chick isn’t quite ready, I’ve tucked it back in with mama hen. Not sure what else to do at this point, so crossing my fingers chickie finishes absorbing and hatches safely with mama tonight.

That's all you can do, good call!

 

[BuddyAndBeanFarm]

#4 hatched safely, along with #5! I’m so relieved! 4 is the darker one. No sign of life from #6 yet, but mama sat back down as soon as I snapped this

 

[SueT]

#4 hatched safely, along with #5! I’m so relieved! 4 is the darker one. No sign of life from #6 yet, but mama sat back down as soon as I snapped this View attachment 1451401