Update-help hatching eggs please (hurry)

[hinkjc]

Chickygal, how long has that chick been pecking at the shell? Did it put a crack in the shell yet? This is very important if you're hoping to save them. That chick must put a hole/crack in the shell within 24 hours of when it started cheeping & pecking or it will suffocate. If it doesn't you are going to have to help.

Here's how to help..please don't be over anxious tho. I say don't be anxious, because you don't want to do this too soon (before the chick is ready for air)
- Candle the egg in the dark to see if the chick is in the air cell and to identify the shape of the air cell. Mark the air cell the best you can with a pencil.
-Once you've confirmed the chick is up there and can see where the air cell is, take something pointy (tweezers work fine) and very carefully/gently try to pry a small crack into the air cell area. I cannot overemphasize small. Too big and the chick can dry fast in there.
-Once you have chipped a little crack in the shell, proceed to poke very gently into the membrane (with an in and outward motion - so not to risk poking the chick) You should already see the chicks beak moving in there a bit.
-Place the egg back in its warm/environment and keep the humidity as best you can with damp cloths

This will give your chick air until it finishes absorbing the yolk. Feel free to email me if you need more help.

Jody

 

[ChickyGal]

I don't know when they started cheeping and pecking, I took them about 1pm or so yesterday and they were active then. Still today nothing, and now no cheeping or pecking. I guess they have died in the shell? I'm still keeping them in the makeshift incubator. How long until I should give up?
Thanks for everyones help.
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"Chickygal, how long has that chick been pecking at the shell? Did it put a crack in the shell yet? This is very important if you're hoping to save them. That chick must put a hole/crack in the shell within 24 hours of when it started cheeping & pecking or it will suffocate. If it doesn't you are going to have to help"

 

[Tuffoldhen]

You may have lost them but don't give up hope just yet...my first hatch in a bator the temps were too low and I had chicks hatching on the 24th day, I just couldn't give up on them and they hatched...so give them a day or two longer...

Just keep the humidty up and the box warm...
....we are all on here to learn.....

 

[hinkjc]

The only way to know if they are still alive is to candle them. You will likely see them wiggling and will see a 'v' shape (the beak) in the air cell (if they're up there). I agree with tuff...don't give up hope. But it really is tough to save em when the going gets tough, so please don't beat yourself up if it didn't work out. You certainly tried.

Jody