Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

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HatchMaster
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Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by HatchMaster »

Im new to hatching silkies and just had my first chick successfully hatch from my incubatorso exciting! These eggs are from my silkie hens very first clutch, so this whole process has been a learning experience for me.

However, Im starting to get worried about the other two eggs. They both pipped yesterday morning, and one even made a small hole, but since then, no progress at all. Ive been reading up on when to assist, but as a first-time hatcher, Im really unsure. Some sources say to candle and check for movement, while others warn against interfering too soon.

At what point should I step in? I dont want to risk losing them, but I also dont want to intervene too early and cause harm. Any experienced hatchers out there who can offer advice?
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EggTinker
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by EggTinker »

Try increasing humidity slightly if you haven't already. A dry membrane can make it harder for them to move, but don't overdo it!
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DustBathQueen
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by DustBathQueen »

I wouldn't rush to assist unless the chick is clearly struggling. Hatching is hard work, and sometimes they just need extra time to absorb the yolk.
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CluckAndGrow
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by CluckAndGrow »

Trust your instincts! If something feels off, candle first and go from there. You'll learn a lot from this hatch for the next one!
If I didn't start painting, I would have raised chickens.
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Eggspresso
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by Eggspresso »

You're doing great! If you do decide to assist, go very slowly,only remove tiny bits of shell at a time and stop if you see blood.
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Hensational
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by Hensational »

If they pipped yesterday morning, I'd give them at least 24 hours before stepping in. Sometimes they just rest before making the final push.
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GardenFowlGuru
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by GardenFowlGuru »

HatchMaster wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2025 5:53 am Im new to hatching silkies and just had my first chick successfully hatch from my incubatorso exciting! These eggs are from my silkie hens very first clutch, so this whole process has been a learning experience for me.

However, Im starting to get worried about the other two eggs. They both pipped yesterday morning, and one even made a small hole, but since then, no progress at all. Ive been reading up on when to assist, but as a first-time hatcher, Im really unsure. Some sources say to candle and check for movement, while others warn against interfering too soon.

At what point should I step in? I dont want to risk losing them, but I also dont want to intervene too early and cause harm. Any experienced hatchers out there who can offer advice?


If the chick has made no progress in 24+ hours and the membrane looks white or dry, you might carefully chip a tiny bit away near the pip to check.
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LouiseLayer
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by LouiseLayer »

Some silkies take longer than other breeds to hatch. I always give them extra time before deciding to step in.
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FeatheredTraveler
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by FeatheredTraveler »

I had a silkie take almost 36 hours from pip to hatch once. I know it's nerve-wracking, but patience is key!
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RusticHen
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Re: Help! Silkie Eggs Pipped but No ProgressWhat Should I Do?

Post by RusticHen »

Are your incubator temps steady? If it's slightly low, it can cause chicks to take longer to hatch.
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