This sounds far-fetched but is worth a try. I try not to assist, but I'm not always good about that! It seems that, the more assistance it needs, the less likely the chick is to survive. I've come to believe that the struggle to hatch may be necessary to get their little systems jump-started. I have a Silkie/BJG oops-cross who lays exceptionally hard, thick-shelled eggs. She's my best layer, so I've tried several times to hatch more pullets from her, with no success. I have to use an incubator, because she doesn't "stick" to nesting.He actually is still alive but I’ll probably have to cull him thoughhe just lays there on his back and struggles and peeps every once in awhile
From her last batch, only three pipped. The first did not survive to hatch, so when the second and third got stuck, I assisted. Once the were out, I cupped them snugly in both hands and let them "struggle" to push out for a good five minutes. After a few good stretches, I put them back in the incubator to warm & fluff up.
Both survived! Of course, they were both cockerels, but I'm willing to try again, just to see if my budding theory works. I'm not overly confident, but I'm willing to try.
I forgot to turn the blue light off on the Blink camera that's in there.
