when to open the egg?

[jadeguppy]

I float tested my eggs yesterday and many tested well. At what point should I open the eggs to help any remaining? Today is day 25 and the last hatch was yesterday. Should I help the rest out?

 

[Odelia]

Are these chickens? I would consider giving them a small air hole, but after that if they can not hatch at all on their own they most likely will not make it anyways.

 

[jadeguppy]

Sorry, yes chickens.

How big of a hole? Any suggestion on the method I should use to make the hole?

 

[Odelia]

Here is a link to an article on this topic. Hope it helps.

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

 

[jadeguppy]

Thank you. It was helpful. Unfortunately four had pipped internally and then died. Several more were full developed, but dead. I did find one still alive and it is in the incubator. Hopefully it will break through the inner membrane soon. It is still moving, so I am hopeful.

 

[Odelia]

How is your last egg doing? I hope it makes it. What are you hatching?

 

[jadeguppy]

It was still moving this morning. I have about 1/3 of the shell removed with the inner membrane intact. The membrane still has large vessels running through it. It is a silkie. Any suggestions?

 

[jadeguppy]

No longer moving.

 

[subhanalah]

Let it rest. Keep the membrane moist and see if it continues to fight.

 

[jadeguppy]

Bummer, it is gone.

I have a broody hen I'd like to let hatch some eggs for me, but I can't find anyone local with silkie eggs. Figures.