Small air cell and internal pip

[Socc04b]

I have 1 egg that has a very small air cell, but has internally pipped about 5-6 hours ago. Do I need to do anything at this point? I'm worried that with such a small air cell, that there may not be enough o2 for the baby and that it may have difficulty hatching.

 

[chickens really]

@WVduckchick

 

[Socc04b]

@WVduckchick

Thanks

 

[chickens really]

Sorry she never replied....Did your egg hatch?

 

[Socc04b]

yes, thank you for checking. She did "hatch". I waited about 15 hours from when I first notice her internally pipped and hearing her cheap and peck, then make a tiny pinprick air hole, and put her back. She progressed a little, but I was worried she was in trouble. Although I tried to avoid it, I did assist her. I got her to the point she could wriggle around and let her work from there. She got the rest of the way out yesterday morning. I think she is premature, but her yolk sac was absorbed. She had a tiny bit of blood from her umbilical when she flopped about. I put cornstarch on it (I read this suggestion from another thread), and it dried up and never bled again. It doesn't even appear to have a sore. She was not fluffing, she had super crusty residue on her, so I gently wiped her with a warm moist paper towel. She stayed in the incubator until yesterday evening. I had been giving her some vitamin/electrolyte water and mushy food, but she only ate when I finger fed her. I was super scared to put her in the brooder with the others, but she began crying a lot. I put her with the other 4, who had hatched from Sunday to Tuesday. They immediately began caring for her. They snuggle with her and check in on her. She is walking well, but not as fast, steady or far as the others. She only stays awake for a few minutes at a time. But she is eating and drinking on her own (watching her big sisters). They do knock her down when they run around, but she gets back up without any problem. She is literally less than half their size. I am hoping that since she is eating, drinking, pooping, walking, and bonding with siblings, that she will make it. I do still worry... I will post a pic

 

[Socc04b]

 

[igorsMistress]

Hope all goes well for your itty bitty there!

 

[Socc04b]

Thanks, me too! I already love her. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

[chickens really]

It should be fine....You did great...I get tiny ones too and they all do great...
Best wishes and congrats!...

 

[Socc04b]

Thanks. She may be constipated. Not sure. She did the backup dance last night and a tiny bit of poop came out (she is tiny though). This morning she did the dance and nothing came out. She could of pooped other times without me seeing it as she is in with her 4 siblings. Her behavior has not changed. She's eating and gets up and around. Any thoughts on what to do just in case? I don't want to wait until she gets bad, but I don't want to do anything to hurt her either. Can she have fruits or veggies that may help constipation without risking her health? If they are blended into liquid mush, can she have them without grit (I do have chick grit, but I don't know if she can have it yet). I have watermelon, peas, tons of different greens in my garden....