What are the negative outcomes of helping a chick hatch?

“Helping” a chick to hatch is a very dangerous —and often unnecessary— game to play. When a chick is in the egg, it is sustained by nutrients from the yolk which is around its body, as well as a mass of blood vessels. read more

The negative outcomes are all potential outcomes and it’s difficult to know exactly what’s going on with a chick having difficulties. As you gain experience, you can start to recognize what the problem is and act accordingly. 1) The chick may not be ready to hatch. Helping it hatch too early will certainly reduce it’s chances of survival. read more

Do NOT be afraid to help the chick out! 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. More than likely it has nothing to do with a "weak" chick, but has everything to do with a chick whose membrane has dried out, or is too large for its shell but otherwise perfectly healthy and normal. read more