When to help the chick hatch?

[opallady]

I have an egg ready to hatch that has a pecked hole in it. It has been that way for about 12 hours now, with no further progress. Should I leave it alone and assume it will get there. When should I help it crack the rest of the way out so it doesn't get stuck?

Thanks!

 

[NYREDS]

Leave it alone-it can take 24 hrs or more to hatch after pipping. IMO it's never appropriate to "help". A chick that can't hatch unaided has a problem. Let nature handle it.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

12 hours is not that long so I would leave it be.

If you open the incubator it has bad effects on all the eggs in the incubator so only help a chick if its more important than all the others that haven't hatched.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Both postings with good advice! Patience!!!

 

[eggsrcool]

It can take up to 24 hours, so patience is the key!! In that time, they have to take up the last of the yolk and allow the blood vessels around the inside of the egg to shut down!! Good luck!

 

[gardenergirl]

I know you aren't supposed to help, but it is so hard not to. I finally helped after 48 hours. The little chick was worn out and had crooked toes. We made him some little shoes out of a Triscuit box to staighten his toes.

Triscuit is now a very happy, healthy, straight-toed 8 week old barred rock bantam rooster!