[Evansent]

Little pekin piped yesterday about 3pm, hole is still not much bigger and it's over 24 hrs now, egg still wobbling and chick cheeping, should I, can I do anything?    4 other eggs have started today as well, not too worried about those yet.


thanks

C Xx

[Foxy]

Has it pipped through the membrane as well? which end has he pipped?

[Big Jen]

When were the chicks actually due?  It is a problem knowing when to help but if its well overdue I think I would carefully try to help as it may be stuck to the shell.  Any sign of blood stop straight away and make sur e the humidity is well up 70 to 80% or you will cause problems for the others.
My last batch I had 4 like this over 24 hours pipped. I helped 2 and left 2.
The 2 that I left both died and the others both lived. Its up to you at the end of the day.

Jenny

[goodegg]

some of mine tool three days to come out i was tempted to intervene but im glad i didnt last year i did help but the babies died .a job to know what to do for the best good luck i hope you make the right choice

[Evansent]

it is through the membrane, I can see dark "feathers", cheeping loudly and moving alot; it is the narrow end of the egg.

 They are bantams and there seems to be some contradictions in things I have read about it being 20 or 21 days?? Today is day 21.

Inc. is quite old model, I think, doesn't have a humidity gauge!! I have kept the tray topped up and have put in a soaked sponge as well.

This is worse than when I was expecting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


C X

[too many girls]

your chick looks like it pipped at the wrong end and may need a little help to get out, i would gently pick at the shell (stop at the first spot of blood) a very little at a time and with resting periods, if your chick can breath it should be ok.

[Evansent]

there is a hole in the membrane, so I'm sure it can breathe. Do I just pick off the shell and try to keep the membrane intact?

One other has piped at the small end too! but that only happened this pm, so not too worried yet. The others seem to have holes in the centre of the egg, is this right?

Sorry, for so many questions, first timer!

Thanks
C X

[too many girls]

don't worry, there is no such thing as too many questions (i have been known to keep some forum members up all night with a difficult hatch with photo's at 5 minute interludes) i would try to pick off the shell and membrane, if the membrane dries out it can stick to the chick causing more complications, the others sound ok as they will probably break the shell in two, nerve wracking isn't it? your doing everything you can and i think your chick has a good chance if you give it a hand, good luck.

[chickenlady]

It is really nerve wracking isnt it! if your picking away at the membrane make sure you keep it moist by dabbing with warm water. i had one the other day that had pipped too much shell and left the membrane intact which then dried out even though humidity was at 70%, dabbing with the warm water helps to release the chick.
Im starting to get a bit twitchy with my duck eggs, as 2 pipped yesterday and have done no more but i can still see movement and humidity has stayed at 70% and day 28 isnt till tomorrow! but i still worry!

Debbie

[Evansent]

Thanks for all your help everyone.

 I could see that the chick was slightly higher up than the spot it had originally pipped, so I took the shell away from a bit higher and sure enough it has popped its beak through the membrane, so I think it might be ok now, still cheeping very loudly!!

I have also blocked up the air vents (all except one) so humidity is higher.  I am going to go to bed now, as I keep looking every 5 mins and it's doing nothing for my nerves 

Will keep you posted and of course pics if all well.

C X

[Foxy]

Good luck! loads of good advice from peeps here!!!

[too many girls]

Good luck! loads of good advice from peeps here!!!

i got mine from you and Sarah

[chickenlady]

Good luck! loads of good advice from peeps here!!!

i got mine from you and Sarah

Me too!  and not forgetting Kate too!

[Evansent]

4 apparently healthy chicks now....2 grey pekins and 2 yellow light sussex bantams.

4 more to come, 2 nearly there, 1 with beak out  and one other not too sure about...seems to be wobbling but no holes yet.


c xx