Updated 1.29.2021 to add that since I started hatching in the Hovabator 1588, and only swooping in twice a day to remove dried chicks, I have had far fewer instances of Sticky Chick. My best hatching tips are shared here.

When I have a large hatch going I usually end up with the last four or five chicks hatching sticky: encased in dried egg white-like stuff. Sometimes they are glued to their egg-shells and sometimes it’s just the problem of their fuzz being stuck to their bodies which makes them cold. They need their fuzz to be fuzzy.

First thing I do is fill a coffee mug with very warm water and soak baby in the mug. She usually loves it and starts to nod off. I keep her head above water and gently scritch at the sticky stuff with my fingernail under the water level. Frequently it will peel off in sheets. If the water cools, I top it off with more very warm water.

After all the gunk is gone it’s time for the blow-dry. I set up a warm-air wind-tunnel with a washcloth and my hairdryer and baby can move towards or away from the heat as she wishes

When she is dry and fluffy, she goes into the pre-brooder and lives a happy fuzzy life..