So many questions

[rustymurphy]

I have had to help some of my chicks get out of their shells in doing so I noticed that the membrane under the shell is very tough almost like leather what causes this I think that the chicks can't get through very easy

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I have had to help some of my chicks get out of their shells in doing so I noticed that the membrane under the shell is very tough almost like leather what causes this I think that the chicks can't get through very easy

What was your incubator's humidity at hatching? Chicks can get through tough membranes, but low humidity can cause the membrane to dry out. This thread may be helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/518717/thick-rubbery-membrane-post-hatch-question.

If you haven't already read it, Sally Sunshine's guide to assisted hatching is an excellent resource: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching.