I have an egg that pipped 48 hours ago, hasn't made much (if any) progress in 12 hours. He's still alive, I can hear him. Do I help him?
I would, but that's just me. I'd be worried about him tiring in the shell and getting too weak to get out. I'd maybe chip a tiny bit of the shell away where he has pipped and carefully start peeling tiny bits..... watching out for veins. But do as little as possible and make him work to get out.
Quote:I would have to agree 48 hours is a long time most will say dont touch it let it try but in this case time is not on your side.
My own experience with two I helped hatch was not good. I ended up having to cull them a few days later as they were too deformed to make it. Sorry...I don't blame you if you do try but chances are small I think that they will be healthy.
One of my chicks zipped another egg and opened it up before it was ready. He is alive 9 days later but we are having problems with crop impaction. I helped an OEG Bantam from the same hatch out and I was sure he wasn't going to make it. He was so stuck to them membrane. But 9 days later he is full of piss an vinegar! (Apple Cider, of course) I would only help if I felt certain that the chick would die in the shell. It's a very difficult decision to make and I am sorry for you. You'll do what you think is right. I just told myself I had to live with the consequences of my decision.
I look at it like this... if they pip and 24 hours later not out, they will probably not come out. They end up dry shelling. I have never had a bad outcome helping them out, as long as they have pipped.
I have helped many out of the shell. Just chip away a little of the shell. If it starts bleeding STOP STOP STOP wrap it in a warm wet paper towel and put it back and leave it alone. Most just need a little chip to get them going, some start to dry out. If the humidity is not right they can stick in the shell and need help. I have given some of ours a nice warm "bath" to get the sticky off of them after they come out. Do what your GUT tells you.
