When should I help chicks out of their shell?

[ChickensAreGoat]

So I have some eggs in the incubator, 4 are supposed to hatch today. 2 of them hatched no problem, one hatched 4 hours ago, the other hatched 2 hours ago, but haven’t seen any movement from the other 2 for an hour. One has had a small crack for about 2 hours. They have been moved around a LOT by the hatched chicks running around. Here are some pics. The green egg on the LEFT of pic 1 (IMG_0268) is the one that was showing movement, but no crack. Thanks!

 

[Daisy June]

I surely have not extended my experience to hatching, but have you looked into the forums and articles here at BYC? You should find the information you are looking for there. Good luck to you and the babies.

 

[ChickensAreGoat]

I surely have not extended my experience to hatching, but have you looked into the forums and articles here at BYC? You should find the information you are looking for there. Good luck to you and the babies.

Okay, Thanks a lot!

 

[Cloverr39]

My knowledge on hatching chicks is a bit rusty, but if I remember correctly it's completely okay to leave an egg that has made an external pip for 24 hours. If it's stayed the same for 24 hours with no progress, then I'd start to think about getting involved. It's normal for them to take a break after making the initial crack in the shell. Hatching takes a lot of work.

 

[ChickensAreGoat]

My knowledge on hatching chicks is a bit rusty, but if I remember correctly it's completely okay to leave an egg that has made an external pip for 24 hours. If it's stayed the same for 24 hours with no progress, then I'd start to think about getting involved. It's normal for them to take a break after making the initial crack in the shell. Hatching takes a lot of work.

Okay, Thanks! The one with the crack in it hatched this morning, and is doing great! The other one has shown no progress, but is showing slight rocking movement. I think it’ll be ok, I’ll update in a day or 2. Thanks again!