You have two chicks that hatched on time but one egg still not when candled does something in it Should you help?

It's tough to know exactly what to do without seeing the egg, but here's a breakdown of why you might help and why you might not:

Reasons to Help:

* Possible Emergency: If you see signs of distress like a chick struggling to break through the shell or an obvious injury, you might need to intervene to prevent the chick from dying.

* Long Incubation: Sometimes eggs take a bit longer to hatch. If it's been significantly longer than the expected incubation period, you may want to gently help the chick out.

Reasons Not to Help:

* Natural Selection: Hatching is a challenging process, and some chicks may not make it. Interfering could potentially injure the chick or weaken it.

* Risk of Infection: If you open the egg, there's a risk of introducing bacteria and harming the chick.

* Unnecessary Interference: You might be tempted to help when the chick is actually doing fine and just needs more time.

What to Do:

1. Observe carefully: Look for signs of distress, like chirping, struggling, or visible blood.

2. Check the temperature: Make sure the incubator is at the correct temperature (usually around 99.5°F).

3. Candling: Candling the egg again can help you determine if there's still movement inside.

4. Consider an expert: If you're unsure what to do, consult a veterinarian or experienced poultry breeder.

Important Note: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria.

If you decide to help, be gentle and use a clean, sharp tool to carefully crack the egg. Support the chick as it comes out and make sure its respiratory tract is clear. Keep the chick warm and provide fresh water.

Remember, even with careful intervention, there's no guarantee of success. But, you can always try to give the chick the best chance possible.