Piece of egg shell broken off a day before hatching (Graphic image)

[TwilightHeart]

My chicken stepped on the eggs she was sitting on, and badly cracked this one, taking off the end with the air cell. Tomorrow would be day 21, and I imagine it would have hatched tomorrow, since some of them have already hatched today. It had not pipped internally though, and the membrane is completely exposed. It doesn't look ready to come out at all, still has blood vessels in the membrane. It did bleed, which stopped, and the chick is still moving. I have moved it to an incubator, so far only been able to raise the humidity to around 50%, so placed a moist towel under it to try to keep it a bit more humid.
Is there anything else I could do to help it, or just wait and see?

 

[coolguy221822]

My chicken stepped on the eggs she was sitting on, and badly cracked this one, taking off the end with the air cell. Tomorrow would be day 21, and I imagine it would have hatched tomorrow, since some of them have already hatched today. It had not pipped internally though, and the membrane is completely exposed. It doesn't look ready to come out at all, still has blood vessels in the membrane. It did bleed, which stopped, and the chick is still moving. I have moved it to an incubator, so far only been able to raise the humidity to around 50%, so placed a moist towel under it to try to keep it a bit more humid.
Is there anything else I could do to help it, or just wait and see?

Here is what I heard from another thread: cover the egg's hole with a plastic bag so the membrane dose not dry out. there was not a pic on the other thread so I don't know how big the crack was. I do hope that chick survives. please keep us updated. P.S. what I gave you was a suggestion. I saw it from different thread but with the same problem. Because I have not done this before, I advise that you do not take my advice without reading upon I first. From what I've heard, keeping the membrane from drying out is first priority.

 

[Varglet]

I wouldn't use a plastic bag. I personally would lightly place a moist rag or paper towel over the opening. Not soaked, because that could drown it when it tries to hatch. Keep checking the rag/paper towel to make sure it stays moist. And make sure the rag/paper towel isn't sitting on the chick so it doesn't get smothered if it hatches. Also, don't let the rag/paper towel cover the entire egg, just the hole.

I've had a few like this/similar to this and that has worked for me.

 

[TwilightHeart]

Thanks! I will give the moist rag a try, sounds like it would work best to allow it to stay moist but still get out when it's ready.

 

[WalnutHill]

I've also successfully swabbed light vegetable oil on the membrane. Not puddled, just moistened. It helps hold the moisture so the membrane does not get stiff.

Expect to need to assist, as the chick will probably have trouble tearing the membrane with no shell to provide resistance.

 

[TwilightHeart]

How will I know when to assist? When the blood vessels have dried up on the membrane, or will I need to help it pip or anything sooner?

 

[WalnutHill]

Watch for the chick attempting to do the internal pip. You may need to tweeze just a small hole in the membrane in front of the beak. Then leave it be for 24 hours or until the blood vessels have fully receded, and assist by opening the remaining shell and membrane from the large end of the egg.

The chick may succeed on its own, but without the shell it will be very difficult.

 

[TwilightHeart]

Okay, thanks so much!

 

[WalnutHill]

If you haven't read the assisted hatching guide, now is a good time.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

 

[TwilightHeart]

I read it in the past, but will give it a refresher read.