One out, 3 pipped, but problems

[dawnh]

My first baby hatched this morning (10am U.K. time, it's now 12.15am), and since then 3 more have pipped. My problem is that the first chick has pecked and bashed them so much that one has severely cracked. The membrane is still intact apart from a large peep hole, and the chick is still breathing and cheeping, but it does seem to have slowed down. The other chick is still in the same place as it was hours ago, no sign of either moving round to zip. Should I just leave them and see what happens? I have removed the hatched chick and it's asleep in the brooder. More than slightly worried and could use some advice!
TIA, Dawn xx

 

[AmyLynn2374]

My first baby hatched this morning (10am U.K. time, it's now 12.15am), and since then 3 more have pipped. My problem is that the first chick has pecked and bashed them so much that one has severely cracked. The membrane is still intact apart from a large peep hole, and the chick is still breathing and cheeping, but it does seem to have slowed down. The other chick is still in the same place as it was hours ago, no sign of either moving round to zip. Should I just leave them and see what happens? I have removed the hatched chick and it's asleep in the brooder. More than slightly worried and could use some advice!
TIA, Dawn xx

If you are able, play chick chirping sounds near the bator. I use a video from youtube (one day old chicks chirping) and play it from my phone on top of the bator. It's only a few seconds long so I'll play it 3-4 times and then stop for a while before repeating. I do this frequently while they are pipped and especially when they start zipping. It keeps them motivated. I wouldn't worry to much, as long as he didn't peck the chick or any membranes that are still prominent. The membrane looks good, right? Nice, white.

 

[dawnh]

The other chick (that wasn't zipping) has hatched! Have been playing that video on and off all day! The smashed chick now has it's beak and one toe out, but part of the membrane is now very brown. Below the beak is white, above is brown.

 

[dawnh]

Sorry for the blurriness!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

The other chick (that wasn't zipping) has hatched! Have been playing that video on and off all day! The smashed chick now has it's beak and one toe out, but part of the membrane is now very brown. Below the beak is white, above is brown.

If the membrane is turning a brown or a yellowish brown I would pull it out, moisten the membrane, (I use a q-tip, you could use cotton balls,) and pull the membrane back a little to see if the inner membrane is sticking/gluing to the chick. if it is you'll want to wet that and try to pull it back from the chick where it is stuck. One all sticky parts are unstuck, wet a paper towel/napkin and wrap around the shell, don't cover the pip, and put it back in to give it a chance to finish. Congrats on the hatcher!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Sorry for the blurriness!

From what I can tell that doesn't look good. Looks like it's getting dry/sticky.

 

[dawnh]

Thank you!
So nervous! Was hoping not to have to do this. Needs must! The things we put ourselves through for these fuzzy butts! I swear I've aged 10 years overnight!

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thank you!
So nervous! Was hoping not to have to do this. Needs must! The things we put ourselves through for these fuzzy butts! I swear I've aged 10 years overnight!

LOL yeah, it can be nerve wracking. You can do it though. I have faith.

 

[dawnh]

It's out! Phew! Still has it's umbilical cord attached, but that will detach on it's own, right? Kind of cute, them way it's shell it's trailing behind! They're cuddling up together! Two more pips since they started cheeping! Really hope I can get some sleep now, it's 3.45 am here.
Thanks you some much for helping xxx

 

[AmyLynn2374]

It's out! Phew! Still has it's umbilical cord attached, but that will detach on it's own, right? Kind of cute, them way it's shell it's trailing behind! They're cuddling up together! Two more pips since they started cheeping! Really hope I can get some sleep now, it's 3.45 am here.
Thanks you some much for helping xxx

Have a good "nap" if you can, and congrats!! You're welcome. And yes it should. If not by morning you can tie it off close to the navel with floss or thread and cut it.