Chick Stuck In Shell

 The situation became critical by Friday night as

grandchick #4 was not making any further progress

and the peeping had slowed down considerably.

The poor thing managed to break a pretty good

sized hole in the side of the egg but something was wrong.

I scoured the internet, immediately sourcing help from

The Chicken Chick  blog where there is a lot of 

great information.  I know it's not an ideal situation but

the little one either needed help or it was  over.

 It appears that there was not enough humidity and the 

membrane had hardened inside the shell; however, the

membrane had pulled away from the shell allowing me to

remove most of the shell without harm.  When I saw the leathery

membrane I knew I had to rehydrate it.  The chick was calling out

and pushing  with all it had, but it wasn't enough.

I soaked a flour sack towel in warm water and nestled the 

membrane in my hands.  The shell was still attached on the back 

of the chick but I could feel every movement the chick made.

Slowly the membrane softened and the chick was able to

stretch and  push against it opening the membrane more and more.

When it finally made it out, the membrane was still stuck to it's 

back and head so I took it to the kitchen, still wrapped in the towel and 

trying to keep it as warm as possible.  I dripped warm water on 

the back of it's head and down it's back.  Bit by bit the membrane 

became soft and was able to be easily removed.  

The chick was still very small and weak; however, it peeped and peeped

almost as if it wanted me to keep holding it.  I told him (her?) that he 

would have to dry off a bit and I'd be back.  We did make a quick stop

at the brooder so it could see what awaiting, siblings hopping around 

and peeping up a storm!

It's much, much smaller than the rest that hatched.  I include photos

so you can see.  It is definitely not as developed.  I figured it was 

 exhausted from the ordeal so I put some water on my finger

which he drank and drank. He seemed very thirsty.

It had been thrashing around, unable to remain standing

but by the time I checked back, it was making good progress.

After he was almost dry I took him out and let him rest in my

hands.  We sat in the recliner where he became more calm and

 started drifting off to sleep.  I talked to him and told him what 

a pretty chick he was and when he was a little stronger we'd go into the 

brooder with everyone else.

He really perked up!  He peeped and peeped until

I agreed to put him in the brooder, or not get any rest!

There was just a few pecks on the little guy which I 

immediately responded to by pushing the larger one away.

This seemed to calm things down and chick #4 was accepted.

They slept together and now he follows them around learning

how to eat and drink.  You can see the size difference.

From left to right:  the two first chicks, chick 3 and then 

little chick #4.  So sweet.

He is very tame since I handled him, the only one to 

come up if I reach into the brooder. Maybe he thinks I'm mom.

For comparison, newly hatched chick 1 and 2.

Newly hatched chick #3, a day later.

I'm glad the little one came out OK.  I do hope it isn't a rooster,

we already have 2 and I can't keep a third.  I would get rid of the older

one if  it comes to a choice.  He probably isn't fertile since we've 

never had chicks until the buff orpington rooster came along.

 I am so thankful for all the great information on the internet, 

accessible on demand, and for all the bloggers that

provide tutorials on how to manage emergencies.

   What would I have done without you all?!

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