What could have I done to help?

[SaraMcDermott]

So we had 3 silkie eggs &1 polish in the incubator. We noticed that 3 were detached but let them keep “cooking” Day 21 was Wednesday. We were super excited but worried when our first little silkie pipped at the little end but just watched & let it go & then the second! They are BOTH here and doing well! We decided to inspect the other eggs this morning. As we unzipped the Poish egg I noticed a little blood (like a drop) but my husband was pretty certain we lost the chick about a week prior. Then she moved!!! After about 3 minutes nothing I felt like we were watching her die. We reached in warped her up she was limp. I gently blew into her beak dipped some electrolytes in & put her under the warm hair dryer. Nothing I tried “working” on her for 40 mins till my son finally said enough mom she’s gone. Besides NEVER inspecting or assisting again is there anything I should have done to help her once she was out? We still have 1 egg left that hasn’t pipped but it’s staying right where it is.

 

[chickens really]

No. Assisting too soon usually kills them. Don't ever give hatchlings anything by mouth till they can do it on their own.
Sorry that happened. Best wishes with the last egg.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Aww I'm so sorry for your loss! Sometimes they just need more time than the others. Timing when to assist is one of the hardest parts of assisting. Even if you never want to do that again I highly recommend reading through this article on assisted hatches. The initial images are graphic to drive home the importance of waiting but the information within on what is going on during hatch is invaluable. Fingers crossed for you last peep and congrats on the peeps that hatched!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching.64660/

 

[cmom]

I agree with the others. Some chicks take longer than others to hatch. I don't assist usually until the chick has pipped for at least 24 hours then I will check and assist if needed. Most often if you try to assist too early the chicks will die. Good luck and have fun...

 

[SaraMcDermott]

Thank you everyone. The poor chick that passed had absorbed his yolk & blood vessels had reseeded he just passed I did however have patients and a beautiful splash silkie hatched in day 23. Thank you again.