What happens if you help a chicken hatch?

Answer 1

It is not a good idea for a novice breeder to help the chick out of the egg in most cases. At this time the chick is very fragile and helping the chick can cause too much damage. Under the shell are two membranes, the one directly under the shell is rubbery and does not carry a blood supply but the inner membrane does. As the chick works its way around the inside of the shell (pipping) it uses what is called an egg tooth to poke holes in the inner membrane sending a signal to stop the blood supply. This takes time and helping it is bad for the chick. When the chick has pipped (poked holes) all around in a circle it flexes its body to separate the shell. Sometimes the chick gets too weak to make the circle and has not enough energy to continue and that is when an experienced breeder/farmer can sometimes render assistance by loosening the tougher outer membrane but this does not always work.

Answer 2

If you help a chicken hatch, you risk interfering with the natural hatching process and potentially causing harm to the chick or affecting its ability to survive. It's best to let the chick hatch on its own, as the process of hatching is essential for strengthening the chick's muscles and respiratory system.