Partial Hatching

[Adina C]

Hi, we have one chick that started hatching 33 hours ago. We thought they would all hatch over the weekend, this is the only one that started. The temp and humidity are where they should be. Now, there is a large hole with some cracks in the shell but that is it. I know it is still alive as the egg seems to move with it and it occasionally chirps (can see beak through hole). I know it is supposed to be okay without food or water for up to three days, but is that three days from when the hatching process starts or three days from when it is completely hatched? Should I try to help it? Very concerned that this is taking more than the 24 hours I keep reading about. Thank you for any advice.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

The biggest risk is it hasn't absorbed all it yolk or is malpositioned for hatching. Keep those things in mind but personally I'd say you're ready for an assisted hatch.

I once "helped" hatch a chick that wasn't ready. It hadn't absorbed it's yolk fully even though it had pipped about 30 hours previously. I was very careful when I opened the top of the egg and immediately closed it back up when I saw the yolk. I scotch taped the top back into place. So it looked about like it did before I helped and it was secure enough the chick couldn't kick out. Put it back into the incubator for another 12-14 hours. Then "hatched it" again that evening. The chick seemed to be getting really tired (less chirping and moving). Which is how I made the decision when to open it again.


Good luck! I'm sure you and the chick will do great.

 

[cmom]

I agree and would carefully pick the shell from around the pip. It could be stuck. Moisten if you need to. I usually spray the eggs with a mist .

 

[Adina C]

Ok, thank you for the advice.