Pipped last night, no progress

[mom'sfolly]

The membranes on the eggs look very dry, but there is condensation of the window of the bator and the humidity is reading a little low this morning. Do I intervene? I really dont want to loose the chicks, but this is my first hatch and I'm very nervous. I read the helping hatch sticky. Please help

 

[Katy]

I don't know what to tell you as far as helping....it's always a tough call for me as to whether I help or not. I will say tho that a lot of times the edges of the membrane showing will look dry when the rest inside the shell is still ok. What is your humidity reading? If there's condensation on the window I'd think it's plenty high.

 

[tiffanyh]

I believe that you are supposed to wait from 12-24 before interveining since she can still make it out. I have intervened a few times with 50/50 results. If the bird is still actively chirping, I personally would let it be. But it really is your call. You kind of have to go with your gut.

If you do decide to intervene, there are some great threads on it. just look around with the search mode under hatching and iincubating topics.

Either way, good luck.

 

[MaransGuy]

I would leave them alone for now. Helping to hatch should only be done as a LAST resort and you can wind up killing the chick if you try too soon. They normally pip the day before they hatch but it always varies. I would let them go until at least this afternoon. As long as you can hear peeping they should be fine. One of mine hatched 24 hours after it pipped. Katy is right that the edge of the membrane will look dry while the rest is just fine. I know it is hard but have patience.

Richard

 

[hinkjc]

I'm only gonna say one thing...Step away from the bator!

Ok, I'll add one more thing...Good luck!

Jody

 

[mom'sfolly]

I'm a nervous wreck. How do you guys do this over and over?? I did mess with the shell a little, hope I didn't do anything bad. The guys are still peeping and moving and I have one more pip. Waiting.............

 

[mom'sfolly]

Three more pips and one buff orp almost out.

 

[Katy]

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I know I am going to be yelled at but I had helped out over 3 chcks that could not make it. Since I fell aslep last night 1 died with its beak out of its shell.

 

[Katy]

Most that I've ever helped out have died with in the first week or two. I always tell myself if they aren't strong enough to make it out they probably won't be strong enough to make it. Still not easy to not try and help on occasion....just haven't had much success with it. Everyone will do what they feel is right when it comes right down to it.