Opened egg I thought was a goner! Help

[murphrandir]

I have had so many broody hens this season, and they’ve all played musical nests with each other. I’ve been keeping an eye on one in particular, and I believed the one egg that started developing was due to hatch this Monday. After observing no external pips, candling to check for movement, and tapping to hear any noise, I assumed it had passed. I started to perform an eggtopsy to discover not only was it still alive, but it appeared to be much earlier in development than I thought it would be. I can see its eye, but I do not see its beak. The veins are still very prominent and developed. I’m moisturized the membrane (which is intact) with a bit of oil, covered the end with saran wrap, and have it wrapped in a wet paper towel in an incubator I have running. I feel absolutely horrible about this, but there were no other eggs in development and I had nothing to compare it to. I’m assuming the movement of the moms resulted in slower growth for this little guy.

Other than keeping the humidity high, what else can I do for this little one? Where would you estimate it is in development?

 

[meeshegg]

you have started to assist and normally with these in order to hatch you need to fully assist....BUT not till it looks ready. I can see visible veins, this means it's not yet absorbed yolk and will die if you help it. once you see no veins you could try to poke a hole near where you imagine the beak to be.

It's always hit and miss with the late bloomers. there may be a medical reason that chick has failed to hatch which could still result in a loss. if you do end up helping do it slow. like real slow any blood dab with corn starch and try again an hour or so later. get some nutridrench and an egg yolk and a pipette ready to gently wipe the side of beak so it takes a little (do not force feed)

 

[murphrandir]

you have started to assist and normally with these in order to hatch you need to fully assist....BUT not till it looks ready. I can see visible veins, this means it's not yet absorbed yolk and will die if you help it. once you see no veins you could try to poke a hole near where you imagine the beak to be.

It's always hit and miss with the late bloomers. there may be a medical reason that chick has failed to hatch which could still result in a loss. if you do end up helping do it slow. like real slow any blood dab with corn starch and try again an hour or so later. get some nutridrench and an egg yolk and a pipette ready to gently wipe the side of beak so it takes a little (do not force feed)

Obviously, I will check on it many times throughout the next few days, but do you have any idea how far out it might be? I assume I should wait to see if it will pip on its own?

 

[murphrandir]

Obviously, I will check on it many times throughout the next few days, but do you have any idea how far out it might be? I assume I should wait to see if it will pip on its own?

Unfortunately it has passed as of this morning. Really kicking myself!!