Claire Thompson
The general consensus is that it is not a good idea to help a chick hatch, as the struggle to hatch is essential for the chick to be healthy and strong. However, there are some circumstances in which intervention may be necessary, such as when the chick is shrink-wrapped or stuck in the shell due to improper incubation humidity. If you do decide to assist, it is important to act slowly and carefully, ensuring that the chick can breathe and that the shell membrane is moist enough for the chick to turn in the shell. It is also crucial to monitor the chick closely after hatching, as assisted hatchlings may have leg, neck, or abdomen issues.
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What You'll Learn
If the chick is shrink-wrapped, carefully break away the shell
If a chick is shrink-wrapped, it means that the membrane has stuck to the chick due to a loss of humidity. This can occur when the incubator is opened too frequently. If a chick is shrink-wrapped, it will certainly die without intervention as it will be unable to move freely to hatch.
If you find that a chick is shrink-wrapped, you can carefully break away the shell. It is recommended that you only break away the top section of the shell above the chick's upper back, as this is where they usually push their head out. This method allows the chick to still develop its leg strength. However, it is important to be cautious when assisting a chick in hatching, as it can be very risky and may cause more harm than good.
Before assisting, ensure that the chick can breathe and that the shell membrane is moist enough for the chick to turn in the shell. It is also crucial to work slowly and carefully, using sterile tweezers if needed, to avoid damaging the chick. If there is bleeding, immediately stop and place the chick back in the incubator.
Additionally, it is important to only assist when necessary. Most chicks can hatch by themselves, and the struggle to hatch is essential for the chick's development. Therefore, it is generally advised to observe and be patient, only intervening if the chick is unable to progress after 12 hours of pipping.
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Keep the membrane soft and moist
Keeping the membrane soft and moist is essential to helping a chick hatch. A dried-out shell membrane can trap a chick inside the egg because it shrinks around the chick and inhibits movement. The chick may need assistance if the shell membrane starts to dry out.
- Increase humidity to prevent the shell membrane from drying out.
- Use a bowl of warm water: Place a washcloth over a bowl of warm water so that it barely touches the water. Gently lower the egg onto the washcloth and attempt to moisten the membrane at all points where it is attached to the chick. Repeat this process numerous times to weaken the membrane.
- Use a warm, damp towel: Wrap the egg in a warm, damp towel to provide moist heat and prevent the shell membrane from drying out.
- Use a damp sponge: Place a warm, damp sponge in the incubator to help maintain humidity levels.
- Use liquid coconut oil: If the membrane is already dry, you can use a Q-tip with a little liquid coconut oil to moisten it.
It is important to work gently and efficiently when assisting a chick. If you see blood, stop and wait a few hours, as a chick that haemorrhages can bleed to death. Do not pull or tug on the membrane, as this can tear the chick's skin or open a blood vessel. Always let the chick do as much work as possible, as this will help it develop leg strength.
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Ensure the chick has enough room to turn its head and break the shell
If a chick is struggling to hatch, it is important to first understand the reasons behind it. In most cases, chicks that struggle to hatch are not strong enough or get exhausted before they can complete the task. Other reasons could be chick strength, chick position, air cell position, disrupted hatch, and improper incubation humidity.
To ensure the chick has enough room to turn its head and break the shell, it is crucial to maintain optimal humidity levels in the incubator. Fluctuating or low humidity levels can significantly impact the hatching process. If the humidity is too low, the membrane may dry out and harden, making it difficult for the chick to break through with its beak. On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, the air cell may not provide enough oxygen, leading to suffocation. Therefore, maintaining the right balance is essential.
For chicken eggs, the recommended humidity level is approximately 50% for the first 18 days, followed by an increase to 65% during the remaining days of incubation. This gradual increase in humidity ensures that the membrane remains pliable, allowing the chick to penetrate it easily. It is also important to note that humidity requirements may vary depending on the season, with higher humidity being necessary during the summer to compensate for more porous shells.
Additionally, proper positioning of the eggs on the hatching tray is crucial. The blunt end of the egg should be higher than the pointed end to provide adequate space for the chick to turn its head and break the shell. This positioning ensures that the air cell is at the blunt end, giving the chick sufficient room to manoeuvre.
While it can be tempting to assist a struggling chick, it is generally recommended to let nature take its course as much as possible. Intervening in the hatching process can be risky and may cause more harm than good. However, if the chick is still struggling after 24 hours and you decide to assist, do so gently and slowly, ensuring that the membrane remains moist to give the chick the best chance of success.
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Maintain optimal humidity in the incubator
Maintaining optimal humidity in an incubator is essential for the successful hatching of chicks. Humidity levels that are too low or too high can cause complications and even lead to the death of the embryos. Thus, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing humidity and the appropriate humidity levels for different stages of incubation.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that incubator humidity is influenced by air temperature and air pressure. Hot air can hold more water vapour than cold air, resulting in higher humidity levels. Therefore, the target humidity level should consider the ambient temperature and be adjusted accordingly.
During the initial days of incubation (days 1-18), it is recommended to maintain humidity levels between 45-55%. Lower humidity levels during this period can cause the embryos to stick to the shell membrane, leading to fatal consequences. It is crucial to monitor humidity levels regularly and make adjustments to ensure they remain within the optimal range.
As you approach the hatching period (days 18-21), it is generally advised to increase humidity to the range of 60-75%. Higher humidity during these final days helps soften the egg shells, making it easier for the chicks to break through. However, it is important to balance humidity with adequate ventilation to ensure the chicks receive sufficient oxygen.
To achieve the desired humidity levels, there are several methods you can employ. One approach is to utilize the water channels or wells in your incubator. By providing two separate water channels, you can increase the evaporating surface area, leading to higher humidity levels. Additionally, you can use a piece of cloth or evaporating card placed partially in the water and along the bottom of the incubator, which will further enhance evaporation and humidity.
In cases where you need to open the incubator during the hatching process, it is crucial to counteract the loss of humidity. One effective method is to use warm, steaming water that has cooled enough to be comfortable for your hand. Adding this water to the incubator's wells helps restore humidity levels quickly, ensuring the chicks remain comfortable and have the necessary lubrication to move and peck their way out of their shells.
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If you see blood, stop and place the egg back in the incubator
If you see blood while assisting a chick in hatching, it is important to stop and place the egg back in the incubator. This is because the chick is still in a critical phase of development, absorbing the remaining nutrients it needs from the yolk and the blood in the vessels across the membrane. Hurrying the chick along risks causing it to lose the vital nutrients it needs to survive, and it may die.
Additionally, exposing a large surface area of the membrane can be detrimental to the chick's chances of survival. If the membrane dries out, the chick may not be able to escape the toughened membrane. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the egg undisturbed and allow the chick to continue the hatching process on its own.
It is worth noting that the amount of blood drawn can impact the chick's health. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, the chick may be fine, slightly weakened due to blood loss, or may have lost too much blood to recover. In the case of significant blood loss, intervention may be necessary to assist the chick in hatching. However, it is generally advised to refrain from assisting unless absolutely necessary, as it can be very risky and cause more harm than good.
The decision to assist a chick in hatching should be made cautiously and only after observing the chick's progress over time. If the chick is still alive and making efforts to hatch, it is best to let nature take its course and provide the necessary warmth, humidity, and undisturbed environment for the chick to complete the hatching process independently.
In summary, if you see blood while assisting a chick in hatching, it is crucial to stop and place the egg back in the incubator. This allows the chick to continue absorbing essential nutrients and prevents further complications. The decision to intervene should be made carefully, considering the amount of blood loss and the chick's overall health and progress.
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Frequently asked questions
Most sources advise against helping a chick hatch. The struggle to hatch is essential for the chick to be healthy and strong. However, there are circumstances in which you may decide to help a chick hatch, such as when the chick is shrink-wrapped or when incubation hasn't been optimal.
If you don't hear as much peeping or see as much beak movement and it has been hours, it's probably time to help. A good indicator is if you see that the pipped area has a very white membrane showing through at the edges.
Make sure the chick can breathe, then put it back for a couple of hours to let it work at it. Ensure the shell membrane is moist enough for the chick to turn in the shell. If the chick is stuck, use a hot damp paper towel and gently peel back the shell horizontally across the egg. Only help the chick as much as it needs—let it do the rest.
After assisting a hatchling, monitor the chick closely. If it hatches with some malformations, you will need to decide if you want to care for the special needs chick or let nature run its course. An assisted hatchling will still need to fluff out properly in the incubator before being moved to the brooder. Keep the baby dry and warm.
