hatched a chick by hand!

[Ashling]

OK- so I read on a site that if a chick has pipped the egg, and has been stuck for hours, you should help it out. There was an extensive page full of instructions that I followed exactly. The little girl battled on as I chipped away around the egg, until she was finally 3/4 out.
Suddenly, I saw someting horrible... after more internet research, I discovered he egg sack was still attached. I worked around the rest of the shell until the first and second membranes were left to support the egg sack. I then felt the chick- even though she was right under a lamp, she was quite cold and I don't have an incubator! I cupped her in my hands and held her in front of the heater, but that wasn't working. So I cupped her in one hand and nestled my hand into my armpit!
And here I am- typing with one hand, my other aching while held up at a weird angle, keeping a chick warm while she absorbs the remainder of her egg sack-
a process which takes 2- 15 hours!!!
She is such a little fighter though. She keeps kicking out as if saying " Let me up, I want to see the world!" But she can't until her egg sack is absorbed!
It's going to be a looooong night! Anything I'm not doing right, please tell me!

Does anyone have some inspiring stories for me to read to this little miracle? She's still peeping away healthily!

[kali]

woah... CAN I COME OVER seriously, that is awesome

[Ashling]

I hope she makes it through the night... But definately come and see them! I'll be very tired though. ;)

[jodringneck]

have you tried a hot water bottle

[kali]

couldn't that get too hot very quickly? plus the temp fluctuates so quickly with a hot water bottle... her stinky armpit would prob be more constant...

I GET TO SEE THE BABIES TOMORROW lol is everyone jealous.. hahah

i need to go to bed it's like 1AM and i'm on birdboard.. what a loser

[tielfan]

If you've got the right build for it, I've heard of women keeping eggs/chicks warm by putting them in their bra!

[Muchi]

Hope you don't overdo the deodorant o.o;
Hang around, I'm sure BirdBoard will keep you entertained for the next 15hrs...
But remember, she's a baby, so no sites over a PG rating

Seriously, very cool though.

[Astrid660]

haha funny suggestions.
Good luck, Ashling. I've been following the story. I hope the little chick makes it! :)

[ROYJOY]

most tararium heaters hold a constant 90'. they are easier to find in a hurry, than an egg incubater. any way they are her in the northern hemisphere.

[Lori~D]

A heating pad (on Low) under a plastic box with holes in the lid. If it seems to get too warm put layers of towel one at a time under till its right around 90 deg F. You dont need a lid to keep it in but to help keep in the wrmth. Put a piece of polar fleece in for bedding or wood chips I use polar fleece for the wee tiny ones. You have to feed it every half hour or so round the clock for the first few days. What kind of baby is it?????