Smashed egg 2 days before hatching

[Chickens_52]

Today our mother chicken got off her nest on day 19 and jumped back down into her nest, of course right on an egg! The egg was completely smashed and I could see the baby breathing. Is there anything I can do for it? We don't have an incubator so I figured I would leave it under the mom to see what happens.. Will it live? I am doubtful thanks for the help!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I'm no expert but I would take it in and put a heat lamp on it.

 

[Shezadandy]

Just did one of these- it hatched!!
DO NOT leave it with the hen, though. She's going to crush it now that the shell is compromised. I had one of those that I left with the hen (freaking idiot hen) - she smashed it the rest of the way.

If it is breathing, it's close to hatching- but don't rush.
Do you have some bacitracin zinc ointment- or coconut OIL -- neosporin will do in a pinch --- - make sure the lining of the egg is kept moist. We use the bacitracin (about $2 at walmart) ointment for this- water you have to do over and over and over. Haven't used coconut oil myself yet, but seen it suggested.

 

[Shezadandy]

If you have a sock and some rice, you can microwave it to heat up the sock - and use that as a heat source, and cover it with a washcloth or something like that- just make sure baby can breathe. I used my "cozy hugs" heating packs when I couldn't hold the egg in my hands.

The problem with leaving a smashed egg- the baby is almost certainly still absorbing yolk. It can't take anymore trauma- hopefully the yolk sac is still intact.

I've had multiple eggs hatch on day 19- once they're breathing, usually it's within 12-24hrs- any idea how long it had been pipped before she did her belly flop?

Here's an excellent guide for assisted hatching- it may need a little bit of help - but above all- don't rush it. The key is make sure baby's nose is clear and it can breathe- keep the membranes moist (best done with ointment- water has things that can grow in it and cause infections) and if in doubt- wait and wait some more. =)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching.64660/