At what point do you help them out....or do you?

[buckaroo's wife]

I have some that pipped 10-12 hours ago, and aren't making progress. Do you help them or...?

 

[adrian]

I think you should definitely give them more time. Sometimes it takes a long time from external pip to hatch. I find that after their first external pip they have a resting period while they absorb their yolk sacs and prepare for hatching. This is an important time and to disturb it is dangerous. So, just hang in there!

 

[scbatz33]

buckaroo's wife :

I have some that pipped 10-12 hours ago, and aren't making progress. Do you help them or...?

that's not long. Sometimes it can take a day or longer. It's hard work getting out of the shell. Once they pip so they are getting fresh air, they will take a break. give it time.​

 

[buckaroo's wife]

Its been interesting - my white eggs have all pipped and hatched quickly, but it's my brown and green eggs that are taking awhile. I'm wondering if its the thicker shells that take longer?

 

[gronsk]

Take a peek and make sure they are not dry. If you have a large chick in a small egg they sometimes do not have room to push their way out. A little help, especially with a dry egg, is OK. (Not scientific, just experience) Moisture is key. too dry they get stuck, too wet they do not seem to absorb the yolk sac in the right amount of time. Don't take them out, but a little shell cracking can help.
Cathy