stuck chicks

[scarletterri]

cab some one let me know what the usual length of time it takes for a chick to break out of its shell mine seem to be taking rather along time and so far 2 have died only just managing to break tiny holes in their shells however pleased to say 2 have made it and are doing well.

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

It is hard to say. I have had some chicks that break out within thirty minutes of pipping and some that can take almost 24 hours. The main thing is do not open the incubator if at all possible once they start pipping. If the egg is pipped and you open the incubator to take some of the other chicks out, the ones that have pipped generally have their shells dry out and then they will not hatch. When I do decide to open my incubator and take chicks out, I use a spray water bottle and mist the remaining eggs to provide extra humidity.

 

[scarletterri]

thank you for your help mine are not in an incubator they are being hatched by their mummy but i dont know if it is normal for her to leave them whilst they are trying to hatch

 

[Ms Ellen]

My chicks under my two broodies are having trouble too. My son thinks it is the heat or humidity outside that is too high. THe hens don't need to sit on the eggs I guess when it is this hot and humid!

 

[scarletterri]

well I spoke to a vet friend and she said i would have to give it a helping hand so i did bt only after everything else failed had to take it home clean it up keep it warm and reintroduce back when it was strong enough mummy chicken took it straight away and checked this morning all doing fine thanks for everyones comments and help