Should I help one chick hatch?

[spudchild]

One of my bantams hatched last night and I have another on the way. The only thing I'm concerned about is the one hatching now has been trying to break free of the shell for about 18 hours.

So far has only made a beak sized hole. It's sitting in the egg with its beak sticking out cheeping...this looks really cute, but I'm worried that it will get dehydrated it if it goes too much longer.

Should I break a little of the shell off from around the hole the chick already made? I don't want to send the baby into shock, but I'm not sure what to do.

 

[katmae77]

I'd wait. I haven't had good luck with helping them out. Most of the time if they are like that they haven't finished absorbing the yolk. Most likely it will finish absorbingthe yolk and break out rather quickly. That is what I saw with my hatch 2 days ago. Hope this helps! Kathy

 

[spudchild]

Thanks Kathy.
I'm at work now, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that by 5pm it will be out of the shell.

 

[tiffanyh]

Personally, I would help. I have had good luck with helping on situations like You do have to make sure the yolk is absorbed and that is does not bleed when helping.

I hope he is okay when you get home, good luck.

 

[jimnjay]

If this chick is on day 21 or after I would help. I have found that when they stay in the same position for that long, they are stuck. Once the pip is made the membrane can dry out and actually keep them from moving. If you decide to help here is a great thread that tells how to go about it. This is what I do as well. I try to keep from doing to much at once. The more they struggle to get free the weaker they get. It is a tough decision. I have help out numerous chicks and I have only lost one. I figured it would not have made it anyway as it pipped at the wrong end.

 

[spudchild]

Jaynie, can you send me a link to the thread? Also, today is day 20 of incubation.

 

[Poison Ivy]

you can pick away the shell a little then take a eye dropper and drop a few drops of water on the membrane. If its has any red veins running in it be careful to not rip it. It can cause it to bleed. When I helped mine I only broke a extra piece of shell off and let the chick break the membrane. She is doing fine and I'm glad I did because she was very small and I don't think she could have made it out on her own.

 

[aran]

help it! I left 3 eggs too long and all died after pipping...not this time round though...im helping if they are not out in under 6 hours!

 

[spudchild]

OK...DH is at home. I'm going to have him take off a little of the shell, and see if we can save this one. I am really afraid of having waited too long, but it is cheeping from the shell still.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Keep us updated on your baby.