Some eggs not hatched yet - help!

[churchyardchick]

My eggs started the hatching process yesterday morning. I had Araucana eggs and Rhode Island eggs fertilized by an Araucana rooster in the incubator. The Araucanas all hatched by this morning, but only 2 of the Rhode Island eggs hatched successfully. Another RI egg started to hatch but the chick died in the process. I only had 4 left in the incubator with no signs of hatching at all. After many hours and no sign of life, thinking they are dead, I pocked a hole into the air pocket of one and sure enough it was dead. I pocked a hole into the next one but it was still alive. I quick put it back in the incubator but am scared that it may die. Should I wet the membranes to keep them moist? And why are these not hatching like the others?

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi! How are they looking this morning? The best thing I can suggest is keep the humidity up and keep watching.
If you think it needs rescuing, there is a thread in 'sticky' To intervene or not.
The *why* could be many reasons: cooler spot in the incubator/hatcher, or just a slow chick.
Sounds like a good hatch otherwise.
Good luck!

Lisa

 

[SarahFair]

Did you have a drop in temps?
If so it might cause some to develop slower..

 

[churchyardchick]

Thanks SO much for the link - VERY helpful. I did have the egg wrapped in a wet washcloth over night, but unfortunately it had died by this morning. I still have two eggs left. No sign of hatching of any kind. I wonder if it is possible that they were in a cool spot and still need more time. I wish I would have found you guys earlier. So much great info!!!

On a bright note, all the hatched chicks are doing very well, even one that I had to help in the end. My kids got to watch that and called him "Lucky"!