Chicks in incubator pecking on ones hatching

[sunnie7]

I have 4 that I can see that have external pips and I had one that just hatched and it zipped upside down. It struggled and while it was trying to get out the other chicks were pecking at it. One more that I can see looks upside down too. Is this okay? I have around 12-15 chicks that have hatched in a little giant and they are very active. I’m not worried about them playing soccer but is the pecking on the ones still trying to hatch okay?

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Normal. They do just fine.

You can try covering the clear part of the incubator with a towel (careful not to impede airflow) or turn the light offs in the room. The chicks will calm down significantly if it's dark.

If a chick hatches with a slightly open navel and the others pick at the navel then I'll usually pull the active chicks out. Even if there are pipped eggs.