Shrink Wrapped Eggs

[cottagechums]

Hi All

Does anybody know why the membrane on eggs sometimes stick to chicks like shrink wrap and they can't get out of the egg please?

Thanks

 

[Fancychooklady]

It's usually a humidity issue. This article is well worth the read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-101

 

[cottagechums]

Many thanks for the article. Didn't think of that as it is supposed to be fully automatic - Rcom 20 Pro! Anybody else have one of these - it is new to us. Thought the problem was chicks too slow getting out having already got a large hole in the egg and thought the heat of the incubator had caused the egg membrane to shrink. Humidity was said to be 60 - 61% on the reading. Oh well we live and learn. One chick is fine but the other is really small and a bit wobbly at the moment - we shall see.

Many thanks again for your help ))

Sil

 

[happyhens1972]

It can be a combination of both....some sort of 'during incubation issue' leading to a weaker chick that takes longer getting out, meaning the membrane has the opportunity to dry out, especially if humidity is lower.

During the actual hatch, I'd have the humidity at a minimum of 70%, higher if it will go and this will help prevent those issues.

If a chick has got stuck, they are often sticky and need a bath to get rid of the 'goop' or it dries out and sticks like glue, preventing free movement and stopping them from fluffing up properly....an essential part of their ability to keep warm.

They also often have spraddle leg, where their legs are stuck for too long in the same position so they come out unable to properly place them in order to stand and walk. This is REALLY easy to fix.....just do a google search for spraddle leg and you'll find loads of pics and instructions. It rarely takes more than 24 to 48 hours bfore they are back to 'normal'.

 

[cottagechums]

Thank you sooo much this has ben really helpful. Yes, the chick did have goop stuck to it. I managed to get most of it off its head and eye but must have missed some as it has now started scratching its eye and made it bleed (not good I know). I have just given it another warm wash and put some vet wound powder around its eye area and am hoping for the best. Will have to wait and see. I hope it works ok poor little thing. Yes, it couldn't stand properly when it came out but now seems to be okay. The legs are not splayed and it seems to be all about and know what is what.

Thank you for all your help and I will put the humidity higher next time. Being ignorant left it all on factory setting - could do with a copy of incubation for dummies ))

Sil

 

[Fancychooklady]

Thank you sooo much this has ben really helpful.  Yes, the chick did have goop stuck to it.  I managed to get most of it off its head and eye but must have missed some as it has now started scratching its eye and made it bleed (not good I know).  I have just given it another warm wash and put some vet wound powder around its eye area and am hoping for the best.  Will have to wait and see.  I hope it works ok poor little thing. Yes, it couldn't stand properly when it came out but now seems to be okay.  The legs are not splayed and it seems to be all about and know what is what.

Thank you for all your help and I will put the humidity higher next time.  Being ignorant left it all on factory setting - could do with a copy of incubation for dummies  ))

Sil

Don't be so hard on yourself. It's a learning curb and we all learn as we go. Some soft scrambled egg is always a good thing when they have a shaky start. There is also a product called ' save a chick '. That you might find helpful in future hatches.

 

[cottagechums]

I gave the chicks some scrambled egg this evening and they all loved it. The little chick was actually standing in the dish to make sure it got its share )

Will look for the Save a Chick too!

Many thanks

Sil

 

[Fancychooklady]

Well done ! Sounds like a little fighter.
This link may help.

http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page25.htm