Total newbie and 1st chick pipped backwards!

[tuesday2000]

Hello all! I've been following this forum for a year or so. I work for a petting zoo and my favorite hen lays eggs at my feet - I tried to incubate and 1 is hatching. First pip last night at 18 days (normal for a bantam???) but it's backwards. I've read a ton so am kind of posting for support I can hear chirping as of 8am, we're at 12 hrs. So I know it can breathe. But since it didn't go through the air cell is their less room to move? If be so sad if I lost this little one, I've tried this before but this is my first time I've gotten this far (was using homemade incubator, then I got this little still air one) THANK YOU for reading, I'm nervous - and from what I've read most of you can sympathize.

Christy

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi Christy

I would not do anything for at least 24 hours after the initial external pip. As it has pipped at the wrong end it has missed the internal pip part of the hatching process out so will need more time to absorb the yolk and blood vessels. While you are waiting have a read of this article ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching
It's most helpful and has a section on malpositioned chicks. Some can and do hatch on their own without assistance.

Good luck

 

[tuesday2000]

Thank you for your reply. We're at 21 hours now, lots of chirping still.I have read through the assisted hatching guide, that's a great source of info! I am wondering since it's day 19 of even after 24 hours it will be developed enough - it IS a bantam, does that make a difference? I haven't done anything but watch and see but I don't want to wait too long - and how would you figure the line between waiting long enough before it's too late! I'll re-read the guide while I'm waiting!!