NEVER REMOVE AN EGG SHELL FROM A HATCHING BABY...

[TX Rehabber]

The only time it is necessary to remove a part of an egg shell from hatching birds is if there is an encapsulated egg. Removing an egg shell too early can cause blood vessels that are connected to the egg membrane and the egg yolk sac to break prematurely causing massive blood loss and irreparable damage to the yolk sac that has yet to be fully absorbed into the abdominal wall. The yolk sac isn’t always completely absorbed the minute the baby has hatched. The lower half of the shell may stay with the baby for up to several minutes while it gains extra strength from the hatching process to remove itself from the rest of the shell and to allow the yolk sac to be completely absorbed if it hasn’t during the hatching process.

[Louise Chambers]

Thanks, Penny - that's very helpful info...patience is a good thing when babies are hatching.

[Connie Roman ~ NJ]

Penny,
I delivered a hatchling from an encapsulated egg but after reading your post I know I won’t be doing it again.
Thank you for posting this.
Connie

[Louise Chambers]

And just to clarify - removing the extra half eggshell from a capped, or encapsulated egg, is best way to help nestling inside. But just remove the cap and let the chick make its own way out.

Eggs that are pipping should be left alone.